Characters celebrate on stage in the new Winnie the Pooh.(Photo source: Globaltimes) Photo Gallery>>>

    by Du Guodong

    BEIJING, July 31 -- Disney's live production Winnie the Pooh has returned to China for encore performances with a new story line and added scenes upping the appeal of the classic stage play for children, three years after its China debut.

    Produced by Feld Entertainment, Winnie the Pooh began its China tour earlier this month in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province before planned stops in Beijing, Shanghai and other big cities. Hundreds of thousands of children and their families are expected to enjoy the modern day adaptation of A.A. Milne’s classic tales of Pooh bear and his adventures.

    Returning to China due to its overwhelming popularity, Winnie the Pooh promises to delight Chinese audiences with some never-before-seen surprises as Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo and Owl plan a surprise birthday party for their honey-loving friend Winnie the Pooh.

    On stage Tigger bounces, Pooh and Piglet get carried away by balloons on a blustery day and Eeyore contributes his usual "enthusiasm" for the bustling activity around him by feigning indifference, all while Rabbit frantically assigns tasks and manages the preparations for the party.

    "Our live shows immerse kids in the magic and joy of Disney stories and characters in this most spectacular family show," said Stanley Cheung, executive vice president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company Greater China.

    "This 17-city tour is a significant investment and commitment to providing the best family entertainment to people in cities across China."

    In the show, new technology sees digital projection transform the stage into a magical world, with varied landscapes of the Hundred Acre Wood coming to life dotted with fluttering butterflies, changing seasons and dangling leaves.

    "Winnie the Pooh offers audiences young and old an unforgettable live entertainment experience and a chance to see Winnie the Pooh like never before," said producer Kenneth Feld, chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment.

    "When the audience walks in, they will feel like they are walking right into the Hundred Acre Wood. For many children, this will be their fi rst theatrical experience, which will set the bar for what they expect to see for the rest of their lives," he added.

    The production's China tour follows a hugely successful world tour.

    Winnie the Pooh, perhaps the most famous bear in the world, represents friendship and joy, his amiable and funloving character caters to the nature of all children of the world, touching the hearts and minds of everyone.

    The original stage play opened in 1995 and was a huge success on its world tour of 171 cities, harvesting a box office of more than 12 million U.S. dollars. In 2006, the curtain was lifted for Chinese audiences on Pooh’s 80th birthday.

    (Source: Globaltimes)