Wang Haolan Holly_cn@163.com WITH the iconic chandelier prop casting its flickering light over an awe-struck audience at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen in Bao’an District, “The Phantom of the Opera,” a musical masterpiece by Andrew Lloyd Webber and one of the most popular theatrical productions in history, officially marked the return of its original English version to Chinese theaters with its first show in Shenzhen on Tuesday night. A press event for local media outlets and key opinion leaders (KoLs) was held Tuesday afternoon ahead of the musical’s debut show. Participants engaged with Rainer Fried, associate director of the latest tour production and the Chinese adaptation, as well as Jonathan Roxmouth, Matt Leisy, and Grace Roberts, who played The Phantom, Raoul, and Christine Daaé, respectively, in the first show. Tuesday’s show also marked Roberts’ debut as Christine. Interestingly, Marini Raab, who played the role of Madame Giry in the show, acted as Christine at the production’s China debut show at the Shanghai Grand Theater in 2004. The crew performed three well-known songs from the musical, including “Masquerade,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and “Notes.” They also introduced event participants to the iconic props, sets, and costumes backstage. Forty shows will be staged for local fans in Shenzhen over the next five weeks. Shenzhen is the first stop of its new international tour in China, which will be followed by visits to six other cities, including Xi’an, Shanghai, Suzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, and Guangzhou. The China tour is produced by SMG Live in collaboration with Crossroads Live and Webber’s Really Useful Group. (Please note that none of these photos were taken during a live performance.) | 