The 5 best events this week
Jul 25-Aug 5: Cats the Musical
CATS is one of the longest-running shows in the history of musicals. Since its premiere, it has been presented in over 30 countries, translated into 15 languages and seen by over 73 million audiences worldwide. With "timeless music, spectacular sets and a superb cast" (Daily Mirror), breathtaking choreography and of course the unforgettable score 'Memory,' it is a magical spectacle like no other.
Jul 25-Aug 5, 2pm or 7.30pm; RMB380-1,080. Shanghai Grand Theatre Lyric Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Jul 28: Shadow Play – Forest Stories
This shadow puppet play combines five short stories from Aesop’s timeless fables, including ‘The Crow and the Fox,’ and ‘The Three Little Pigs,’ each with a moral lesson to inspire the little one. This 50-minute play is perfect for children ages 4-10.
Sat July 28, 10am or 2pm; RMB80-100. Ciro's Performing Arts Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Jul 28 & Aug 3-4: Shanghai Ballet: Grand Version Swan Lake
Directed by ballet maestro Derek Deane, this production of Swan Lake is a masterpiece not to be missed. Instead of the usual 16 swans, there are 48 swans in this unique production. The Shanghai Ballet Company will bring an enchanting, magical performance for audiences young and old.
Jul 28 & Aug 3-4, 7.30pm; RMB80-680. Shanghai International Dance Center Grand Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
All Month: The Egg House
NYC's "The Egg House" pop-up has arrived in Shanghai. Fans of the food-themed exhibitions can enjoy the interactive foyer, kitchen, hallway, pool and garden like never before.
10am-10pm; RMB58-198. Joy City Mall. See event listing. Book tickets here.
All Month: Spiral: Shanghai Acrobatic Show
This popular acrobatic show, produced and performed by the talents behind the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, is an unmissable event for families in Shanghai. The nuanced performance tells the tale of the city’s ever-changing landscape and is conveyed through thrilling moves like trapeze and tightrope walking — bound to wow the whole family.
7.30pm; RMB180-380. Shanghai Center Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.
The 5 Upcoming events
Aug 16-25: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella
This summer, Shanghai Culture Square will present you with the dance production Cinderella. Unlike the classic fairytale, we are familiar with, the show is set in London during the Second World War. Directed by the UK's most popular and successful choreographer and director, it has been a hit ever since its premiere in 1997. If you haven’t planned anything during Aug 16-19, grab your little ones and expect a thrilling and evocative war-time romance.
Aug 16-17 & Aug 21-24, 7.30pm; Aug 18-19 & 25, 2pm & 7.30pm; RMB180-880. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Aug 30-Sep 12: Rent 20th Anniversary Show
This touring production of the wildly popular Broadway show is coming to Shanghai. Originally penned by playwright Jonathan Larson, Rent has claimed prestigious wins like the Pulitzer and Tony Awards. Featuring unforgettable songs like ‘Seasons of Love,’ Rent is a celebration of young talents striving to make a living out of their passion for the arts.
Aug 30-Sep 12, 2pm or 7.30pm; RMB180-680. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Sep 15-23: The Train Theater: Tailor Made
One day, a tailor receives a note: "Your mission is to sew a coat by midnight. The size does not matter, but it must fit perfectly." Come join in the magical adventure of the tailor and discover for who the coat was made. A play with few words combining puppetry, object theater, textiles and music. Winner of Israel's Interdisciplinary Play of the Year and Puppet & Prop Design Award for Children's Theater 2014, the play has been well-received worldwide.
Sep 15-16, 10am or 3pm; Sep 22-23, 10am; RMB180. Ciro's Performing Arts Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Oct 23: Sam Smith The Thrill of It All World Tour Shanghai
UK pop star and ‘master of the heartbreak anthem’ Sam Smith makes his Shanghai debut at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Responsible for massive hits like 'Stay With Me,' 'Not the Only One,' and 'Too Good at Goodbyes,' Smith is touring to promote his sophomore album, The Thrill of It All.
Tue Oct 23, 8pm; RMB480-1880. Mercedes-Benz Arena. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Nov 10-11: Acrobuffos: Air Play
Presented by Acrobuffs Theater, this circus-style show tells a story of two siblings’ adventure in a surreal world of air, with a wonderful display of flying umbrellas, giant balloons and floating fabrics. Merging circus and street theatre, this visually stunning performance will take you to an enchanted world where you will forget about real-life for a while. Head down to the 1862 Theatre and enjoy this aerial spectacle that will enthrall the young and young at heart.
Sat Nov 10, 10.30am or 7.30pm; Sun Nov 11, 10.30am; RMB180-580. 1862 Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
