Dec 13-Jan 15: Mozart!
This hit musical celebrates the legacy of the Austrian composer focusing on the child prodigy turned adult making the radical change to leave the royal court and find the distinct artistic path that produced enduring pieces like ‘Requiem.’ In that same spirit, this musical adds a modern makeover to the story. So far, it’s been a hit across Europe and will make its Shanghai debut with a 40-show run at Shanghai Culture Square. For more, check out our feature on Mozart!
Dec 13-Jan 15, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (weekends), RMB80-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square.
Dec 15-Jan 8: Cookin’ Nanta
The longest-running show in South Korean history mixes comedy with traditional samul nori rhythms. Set in a kitchen where three cooks are furiously attempting to prepare a wedding banquet while dealing with the buffoonery of their bosses’ nephew, Cookin’ Nanta mixes acrobatics, comedy, magic tricks and audience participation to great effect. It has been performed in 18 countries including a 2004 run on Broadway.
Dec 15-Jan 18, 7.30pm and 2pm weekend matinees, RMB80-1,080. ET Space, 433 Yan’an Dong Lu, by Xizang Lu 延安东路433号, 近西藏路 (5046 2471, 247tickets.cn)
Dec 16: The Great Wall
Rated PG-13 in the US, The Great Wall is recommended for parents and teens. After months of anticipation, the largest Chinese-US film production will finally debut. Matt Damon controversially stars in this sci-fi epic about an alien invasion in ancient China. Acclaimed director Zhang Yimou (Hero) will certainly supply stunning visuals but will this story created by World War Z scribe Max Brooks strike a chord in China months before its North American release?
Dec 16-18: Tetris
Image by Michael Kooren
The classic video game comes to life in this award-winning children’s production that is perfect for kids who can’t sit still. Four dancers will pile over each over in gravity-defying shapes like the video game with the audience invited to join in. The show claimed the People’s Choice Victor Award at the International Performing Arts for Youth showcase in Montreal this year. Appropriate for kids aged five and up.
Dec 16-18, 7.30pm (Fri), 10.30am and 5pm (Sat-Sun), RMB80-380. Daguan Theater, Shanghai Himalayas Art Center, see event listing.
Dec 17: Jiashan Christmas Market
Shanghai’s best artisan food vendors will come together for the annual Christmas edition of Jiashan Market. Expect holiday treats from the likes of The British Kitchen, Amelia’s, Pie Society and more. Shanghai Young Bakers will have a cookie decorating station, Art Spring has organized a special festive bamboo winter-garden playshop and there will be plenty of Christmas singalongs from 1-5pm. Santa will be there too giving gifts to some of the younger guests.
Dec 17, 11am, RMBTBA. Jiashan Market, see event listing.
Dec 17-18: English+ Christmas Wish
Celebrate Christmas with a fun-filled morning of activities organized for kids ages 3 to 8 and parents. There’s activities that help children improve their EQ skills through the Public Speaking Club and storytelling with the Peppa Pig’s Christmas Wish story. There is also the Modern Parents Program that helps parents give their children the best gift of all, the best version of themselves.
Dec 17-18, 9.30-11.30am, free entry, English+, 3F, Building 3, 914 Changde Road, by Changping Road
