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Andrew Treagus, "Mamma Mia!" international executive producer, gives a speech at the signing ceremony press conference held in Beijing on June 2, 2010. (Photo: CRIENGLISH.com)
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"Currently there are two limitations in China; the first is that international musical tours are limited, and the other is that audiences who can understand English are limited in China. If we perform in our own mother tongue, it will be a process of reproduction."
This show will be a new approach to musical theatre production in China, combining new ideas and methods in production and other elements including marketing, operation and touring.
Li Xiaolei, deputy director of the Industry Department of the Ministry of Culture, who also attended the press conference, said the Chinese production will help develop the musical theatre industry in China and lead to the creation of original Chinese musicals.
"'Mamma Mia!' is the starting point for the deep cooperation between China and the UK in terms of the musical industry," Li said. "Cooperation on the production of 'Mamma Mia!' in China will help us gain international experience, avoid unnecessary difficulties, and at the same time, explore a new path toward cultivating domestic musical talents."
After more than six months of preparation, the show's schedule has been finalized. A three-round audition process will be held in August and November of this year and January of next year. The show is expected to open in June 2011.
Ms. Tian Yuan, executive producer for China and general manager of One World Culture Communications, noted that China has well-trained and talented musical artists, and that auditions are open to Chinese-speaking candidates worldwide. She said the official website for 'Mamma Mia!' will take applications and requirements for candidates have been posted.
Organizers are confident they can overcome any difficulties in staging the Chinese production.
Andrew Treagus, "Mamma Mia!" international executive producer, said one of the first hurdles is translation, "but we assume that will be able to be handled, there must be many, many people here who have good English and can understand our basic script."
Talking about the Chinese version's future, Treagus said with a smile, "We are all looking forward to it. The thought of sitting in about a year's time, watching the curtain go up on the very first Chinese-cast and -staffed production of a Western musical is for me - and I hope, and I know, for Mr. Yu – it's a great vision and a dream come true."
(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)
