The 5 best events this week
Dec 13-16: TAP DOGS
Image via promoter
The tap dance sensation TAP DOGS is back in Shanghai! Blending live music and tap dancing as you've never seen it before, the stage show has been a hit ever since its debut 23 years ago. Created by award-winning dancer and choreographer Dein Perry, TAP DOGS has taken the world by storm with its display of strength and precision in tap dancing. What are you waiting for? The show will run for a limited time, so book your tickets for this tap dance phenomenon now.
Dec 13-14, 7.30pm, Dec 15-16, 3.30pm or 7.30pm, RMB180-680. ET Space, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Dec 13: The Ugly Christmas Jumper Party
Flyer via promoter
The Shanghai Collective have teamed up with Shanghai Mamas and The Pearl Bar & Cabaret to give you The Ugly Christmas Jumper Party and fundraiser of the year. The evening will include prizes, a Christmas quiz, games and a special appearance by 80's band The Pearl's Red Stars. Gather your troops, your ugliest of ugliest Christmas sweaters and join a night of fun. All profits will be donated to Heart to Heart Shanghai. Purchase your ticket now for a chance to win an early bird lucky draw prize.
Thu Dec 13, 6pm, RMB120. The Pearl, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Dec 13-16: Creative Installation Theatre: Narrow
Image via 247tickets
Can you imagine what will happen if one day, the house you are living in is suddenly as small as a box? Brought by Rutger Remkes and Judith de Joode, the stage show brings the impossible scenario to life on the stage. As everything happens in a cramped space, even a daily routine like borrowing sugar becomes funny. If you are seeking a good dose of laughter over the weekend, this is a show you cannot miss.
Dec 13-16, 2.30pm or 7.30pm, RMB340 (2 tickets) or RMB480 (3 tickets). Shanghai Children's Art Theatre, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Dec 15: Lord of the Rings in Concert - Shanghai
Image via 247tickets
As one of the most renowned franchises around the globe, The Lord of the Rings series introduced audiences to a mythological world and occupies a place in many a fan’s heart. If you are one of them, then you are in luck. Presented by the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, the concert will bring the stunning score of the films to life and bring back your recollections of all the adventures in the Middle-earth.
Sat Dec 15, 6.30pm, RMB280-880. National Exhibition and Convention Center Hong Arena (East Hall), see event listing. Book tickets here.
Dec 15: MimiRichi: Paper World
Image via 247tickets
Imagine a world made entirely out of paper for scribbling, rolling and tearing up! Staged by Mimirichi Theatre, this creative children's theater embraces a naive sense of wonder as actors relentlessly break and create shapes and forms out of paper. Its energy is infectious and will render families laughing throughout the show.
Sat Dec 15, 2.30pm or 7.30pm. RMB80-200. Shanghai City Theatre, see event listing. Book tickets here.
The 5 best upcoming events
Dec 20-Jan 13: Chicago the Musical
Image via 247tickets
"Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery, all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts." The award-winning international musical CHICAGO is coming. With six Tony, two Olivier, one Grammy, two Bafta and six Academy Awards, CHICAGO truly is "The sharpest, slickest show on the block." It's the show you can always count on to give you the thrills and memories that only come from seeing a Broadway musical.
Dec 20-Jan 13, 2pm or 7.30pm. RMB280-1080. Majestic Theatre., see event listing. Book tickets here.
Dec 26: Le Choeur des Polysons China Tour
Image via 247tickets
Founded in 1994, this French choir comprises children between 7 and 15-years-old. For over two decades, Le Choeur des Polysons has performed in various European countries garnering high praise. The Shanghai leg of its China tour will feature classic songs as well as pop hits by the likes of ABBA.
Wed Dec 26, 7.30pm. RMB80-580. Shanghai Oriental Art Center - Concert Hall, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Dec 26-30: Russian State Ballet: Swan Lake
Image via 247tickets
Making debut back in 1875, Swan Lake is undoubtedly the most renowned ballet production of any time. With Christmas just around the corner, Russian State Ballet will come back to Shanghai to present with this mesmerizing and captivating performance. If you haven't decided what to do with the festival week, this will be a great choice. After all, you can't go wrong with the classics.
Dec 26-27 & Dec 30, 7.15pm. RMB180-880. Shanghai Oriental Art Center - Opera Hall, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Jan 19-20: TNT Theatre Britain: Romeo and Juliet
Image via 247tickets
From the same theater company which brought Macbeth to Shanghai last month, the show will present a Romeo and Juliet as you've never seen before. Without impressive sets or complicated stage design, the performance relies on the skills of the actors and allows the audience to immerse in Shakespeare's poetic and powerful dialogues while pursuing the essence of love.
Jan 19-20, 7.30pm. RMB120-380. Huangpu Theatre, see event listing. Book tickets here.
Feb 22-28: School of Rock the Musical
Image via 247tickets
As the title suggests, the musical follows an out-of-work rock singer, who works as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. After recognizing his students' talent in music, he turns them into a music band and sets out to win the upcoming competition. Based on the 2003 hit film with the same name, the show, which is a treat for all ages, will blow your mind with thrilling music and a passion for dreaming.
Feb 22-28, 1.30pm or 7.15pm. RMB160-1,080. Shanghai Grand Theatre Lyric Theatre, see event listing. Book tickets here.
[Cover image via promoter]