Musical hits high notes with Beijing stop

The original musical Chinese Dreams in Dongguan, co-produced by Mahua Fun Age, one of China's most popular comedy troupes, will be staged in Beijing on Aug 15 and 16.

Before its Beijing stops, the musical, which premiered in 2023, is touring other Chinese cities, including Dongguan and Guangzhou in Guangdong province.

Set against the backdrop of the country's reform and opening-up in 1978, the musical captures the vibrant spirit of the era, celebrating the dreams and determination of the young people who left their mark in Dongguan, an industrial city in southern Guangdong.

Gathering director Gao Ruijia, songwriter Chen Qifeng and scriptwriter Qin Chuan, the musical features over 20 original Chinese songs of diverse music genres, such as rock, pop and jazz.

In the musical, Dongguan Railway Station is featured as a key element, symbolizing young people traveling from different parts of the country to work and live in the city.