When I was little my parents had a record of brass band music, and my brother and I used to put it on and march around banging saucepan lids together as cymbals. I recall this now in wonder at my parents’ tolerance – if my own kids attempted a similar racket I’d give them pretty short shrift. However I also see it as a missed opportunity. Unlike two musicians from Brighton, England, my four-year-old self failed to recognize the potential of turning the idea into an internationally acclaimed dance show. Ah, well.

In case you’ve been living at the bottom of the sea for the last twenty years, Stomp features eight performers making music from old junk, and their own bodies. They use brooms, trash cans, inner tubes, even the proverbial kitchen sink. The show is a fixture on Broadway and London’s West End, and has toured all around the world. When it came to Beijing, I decided I had to take my two boys along. After all, who knows what destructive play activity they might be able to adapt into a lucrative theatrical event?

The venue for Stomp’s first Beijing outing was the PLA Theater in Xicheng. In the lobby there were drums like those used in the show, and children were encouraged to have a bash. My boys never need to be asked twice when it comes to making a noise:

The performance begins with the customary request to turn off cellphones, a discipline which was reasonably well observed: I only heard one ringtone, and nobody felt the need to talk on their phone throughout, as happened when I went to see the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Egg. However it was a mostly young audience, and the chatter continued unabated.

It mattered little though, as the percussive rhythms were amped up to 11. The performances too were at full volume, and the energy of the cast was impressive. The mix of music, dance, and mime transcends barriers of language and age, and if the kids in the audience were not silenced, they were certainly entertained and amused. The comedy is broad, and my wife, who saw the show in its early days in London, commented that it had been less slapstick then. It’s easy to see though how the gags might have developed over years of performing the same routines.

Stomp is a hugely entertaining show, and if it returns to Beijing, I recommend it as enjoyable for the whole family. As we left I watched my kids for any sign that they might have been inspired with a million pound idea. I think though their “poking each other with sticks” routine needs some work before it’s ready to become a Broadway smash…

Even if you’ve never seen Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, chances are you’re familiar with its iconic poster. Not only is the West End phenomenon one of the most popular musicals of all time, it’s also the best-selling entertainment event to date with worldwide sales of USD 5.6 billion since its debut in 1986.

To put that into perspective, Michael Jackson’s total earnings (including posthumous album sales) add up to around USD 2.8 billion when adjusted for inflation. The surviving Beatles – Paul and Ringo – are comparative paupers with a combined worth of around USD 1.1 billion.

There had been attempts to bring Phantom of the Opera to Beijing as early as 1999, with the show finally coming to the capital in November of this year.

Having only previously seen the terrible 2005 movie adaptation starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, I wasn’t sure what to expect at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre last Saturday. 

The verdict? It was amazing. Phantom was big and bold and campy, with elaborate costumes, corset-busting musical numbers, and an atmosphere of Romantic longing and ruin courtesy of the late and great production designer, Maria Björnson.

The musical opens in 1911 at the Paris Opera House, where an auction is under way. An old man – the elderly Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny – bids for the first item, a music box. The next is a grand old chandelier, which suddenly flickers to life and rises over the orchestra, transporting the audience back to 1881.

In the midst of a rehearsal, the opera manager announces his retirement and introduces the new owners, André and Firmin. They must deal with the "opera ghost," an invisible presence feared by the dancers and respected by the ballet mistress, Madame Giry.

The opera ghost orders the lead soprano, Carlotta, to be replaced with Christine Daaé, an orphaned chorus girl. When his demands are laughed off, a falling backdrop nearly kills Carlotta. 

To André and Firmin’s surprise, Christine surpasses the prima donna thanks to the singing lessons she has been receiving from a mysterious figure called the Angel of Music. Following her triumphant debut, she reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, the young Vicomte de Chagny.

Soon, the Angel of Music reveals himself to be none other than the opera ghost. The scene where he and Christine glide over an underground lake, lit by rows of glimmering candles, is one of the best pieces of set design I’ve ever seen.

As Christine falls deeper under the Phantom’s spell, she vacillates between love and art, fear and compassion. As over-the-top as the musical can get, I did get a bit weepy at the end (granted, the levee’s been known to break at Sarah McLachlan SPCA commercials).

"The Angel of Music sings songs in my head," croons Christine in "Little Lotte/The Mirror." Mine too, except they’re stuck there and I now draw sideways glances from strangers when I mumble the lyrics to "Masquerade" at the fruit shop. Thanks a lot, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Practical Considerations
At RMB 480 per ticket, we ended up in the nosebleed section on the second floor. That made some of the dialogue difficult to hear; not everyone can rely on Chinese subtitles for context, so English-speaking fans might consider shelling out for better seats.

There are bathrooms on each floor, but the maddeningly inadequate number of stalls (two) meant the women’s line was massive; sneak out slightly before the break if you’re concerned about anyone peeing themselves. The area around Tianqiao is a transportation dead zone; your best bet is Uber or a taxi.

Phantom of the Opera
Until January 10, 2016. Recommended for ages 7 and up. English with Chinese subtitles. RMB 99 (students only), 280, 480, 680, 980, 1180 or 1380 for weekend shows (click here to buy tickets). Shows start at 2.30pm or 7.30pm.

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre, Bldg 9, Tianqiao Nandajie, Xicheng District (400 635 3355) 西城区天桥南大街9号楼

Sijia Chen is a contributing editor at beijingkids and a freelance writer who has covered travel, tech, culture, parenting, and the environment. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Independent, the Beijinger, Midnight Poutine, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @sijiawrites or email her at sijiachen@beijing-kids.com.

Photo: Piaowutong

Still searching for a fitting summer camp for your child? Beijing’s only English-language theater troupe, Beijing Playhouse is running an additional camp in addition to the four already on offer. The new camp runs July 27 to August 8 and, like all Beijing Playhouse kids theater camps, will end with a show on the last day of camp.  For their new camp, student actors will perform Pinocchio for friends and family on Saturday, August 8.

“We love exposing children to all facets of theater,” says Pinocchio director Jehanne Fima. “Students have so much fun that they don’t even know they’re learning."

The audition date for Pinocchio is this Saturday, July 11. If you can’t make that date, there will be a final late audition the day before the first day of camp on Saturday, July 25.

The first Saturday morning of the kids’ theater camps consists of a “Parent Participation Morning,” which provides a chance for parents to join their children and theater crew in trying out games, music, dance as well as some costume design and scene painting to see first-hand what their kids will be up to during camp.

“I believe my daughter’s participation in the Beijing Playhouse summer camp set her up very well for her high school theater experience back in the US years later. She is now thriving on stage in a very competitive environment and has been cast in leading roles for all the major productions,” said former kids theater camp parent Nicole LaFleur. 

Camps last two to three weeks and are limited to 30 kids. Ages 6-14. Theater internships are also available for older teens.

Email: broadway@beijingplayhouse.com

Photos: Courtesy of Beijing Playhouse

It’s just a few short weeks until Beijing Playhouse’s production of Christmas musical comedy Robin Hood hits the stage. We speak to first time cast member Ray Robles about his experience working on the play.

How did you get involved with The Beijing Playhouse and the production of Robin Hood?
During my first year in Beijing, my girlfriend and I came across Beijing Playhouse’s Theatre workshops on the Beijinger. I decided to go to a workshop and instantly knew I wanted to come back. I wasn’t able to audition for a show that first year, something always came up or I wasn’t in town for an audition. I returned to the states and eventually realized how much I missed Beijing and was contemplating my return. I received an email about auditions for Robin Hood and took it as a sure sign to come back to Beijing, so I set the date to come back and my mind on auditioning, and here I am today as a proud cast member!

Had you ever done theater before?
Yes, I was a musical theatre major in college. I have now been doing theater or some type of performing arts for ten years and I’ve absolutely loved and appreciated all my experiences from the cruel and arrogant directors to the constructive and nurturing kind. I’ve participated in all kinds of theater starting in  high school (where I was the epitome of over acting) to my first paid gig where I earned US 70 a week to build sets for 12 hours, yet had only two lines on stage, to eventually performing professionally. I’ve been blessed to say I’ve performed on stage for major companies like Disney World, Universal Studios, and Carnival Cruise lines. I also managed to book some TV gigs.

What has your experience been like working on the play?
Absolutely delightful! It just feels great to be back to doing something I am truly passionate about. I am currently teaching at a kindergarten and while I love teaching, my school, and especially my kids, entertaining is something that just feels natural ­‑ it’s food for the soul. Our director (Chris Verill), our musical director Tebow, our dance instructors Annie and Dana, our props and costume designers, and our stage manager Van are wonderful people to work with. That being said about everyone involved in production, the cast feels like a second family and I’ve met some really amazing performers. I’m so grateful for the experience.

What can families expect?
Loads of laughs. Sometimes in rehearsals, you just can’t help but crack up. This is the perfect show for kids and adults alike. There is enough action happening that will keep the kids entertained throughout the show as well as a few jokes that only mom and dad will enjoy. All the songs we will perform are popular renditions so I’m sure audience members will be glad to hear some of their favorite songs with a little twist. The audience will truly enjoy and laugh out loud with what they are going to see in this show.

Anything to add?
Just a big thank you to the cast and Beijing Playhouse team for all the great laughs, the chance to grow as a performer, and just for letting me be a part of such an amazing and fun opportunity.

Performances will be in English with Chinese subtitles and will be held weekdayevenings at 7.30pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm between December 5 and December 21 at the National Olympic Center Theatre.

Contact: For ticket reservations, email Beijing Playhouse’s box office at performance@beijingplayhouse.com.

To find out how to get involved with Beijing Playhouse, email Stage Manager April Wang broadway@beijingplayhouse.com

Photos: Courtesy of Beijing Playhouse

Tickets are now available for Beijing Playhouse’s production of Robin Hood, a Christmas musical comedy running December 5-21. As usual, the Beijing Playhouse promises an interactive family-friendly experience as audience members are invited to cheer and hiss as characters of the Sherwood Forest rob from the rich and give to the poor at Christmas. As always, Beijing Playhouse’s rendition of the play promises to be family friendly, offering appeal to children and adults alike.

“This show is a fairy tale for the kids with a whole level of humor appealing for adults,” says Chris Verill, executive director of Beijing Playhouse.

The play will be performed in English with Chinese subtitles. See information below.

When: Performances will be held weekday evenings at 7.30pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm between December 5 and December 21
Where: National Olympic Sports Center Theatre

Cost: Tickets for adults are RMB 260 in advance and RMB 300 at the door.Students and children get in for half price (RMB 130 in advance and RMB 150 at the door.

Contact: For ticket reservations, email Beijing Playhouse’s box office at performance@beijingplayhouse.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Playhouse

Enjoy fun (and free!) musical entertainment at ISB this Thursday and Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Many of the talented middle school students will perform Into the Woods, the 1988 Tony Award-winner for both score and book of a musical (based on the book by James Lapine; music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim). Enjoy this brilliantly conceived exploration of “happily ever after,” based on popular fairy tales with instantly-recognizable characters. Thursday and Friday performances begin at 6:30pm; Saturday at 3:30. No tickets needed; show is in the ISB theater.

AoFan Sailing and Kayaking Centre will host a Fun Regatta Day this Sunday, May 5 from 1:30-3:30pm at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing Lake. Kids who have taken sailing lessons or adult sailors can do fun short courses, with rafting and kayaking races, too. Reserve a boat by e-mailing mail@aofansailing.com (RMB 50 rental). Visit http://aofansail.com/en_us/events/ for more information. Saturday sailing lessons at 10am, 1pm and 3pm will be starting next week, too. Go to http://aofansail.com/en_us/courses/current-courses/ or call 5949 4599 or 139 1946 5950 for information.

Join BJU Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Irene Lau, at Dulwich College Beijing (Riviera Main Campus Library) on Wednesday, May 8 at 8:30am. Learn about good habits and consistent care for children’s teeth, with Q&A following the talk. Please RSVP by e-mailing Jenifer.sullivan@ufh.com.cn.

Don’t forget about “Goddess Us: Diva for a Day…Goddess for Life!” – a fun, day-long event celebrating womanhood. Just in time for Mother’s Day, too! See this blog post for more details, and reserve Thursday, May 9 at Pinotage Restaurant for a guaranteed great day!

Green T. House Living features Dinner & Show on Friday, May 10 at 7pm. Theater, dinner and dance by accomplished international artists with a four course contemporary Chinese dining experience – don’t miss it! Tickets for dinner and the show are RMB 450; drinks & show at 8pm are RMB 200. Contact Kelly Wadlegger (132 4023 5607 or kelly_wadlegger@wab.edu) or Green T. House (6434 2519 or events@green-t-house.com) for tickets.