EXCELLENT SINGERS: Major actresses of the Chinese version of Mamma Mia! perform at a press conference in Beijing in June (CFP)

The Chinese version of Mamma Mia!, one of the most popular musicals in the world, has come to China, to demonstrate the charm of the musical to Chinese citizens in three major cities in 2011.

The musical will be staged in Shanghai from July 8 to August 5, Beijing from August 12 to October 20 and Guangzhou from October 28 to November 24, bringing the joy of the musical to China with more than 200 performances.

The Chinese version will be staged in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as Singapore in the next three to five years after its six-month tour in mainland cities of China.

Popular musical

Mamma Mia!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of the band ABBA, is a musical that holds the record for the most performances in the world, with a total box office of more than $1.6 billion. It has been performed in 24 cities around the globe in 13 languages and attracted audiences of more than 42 million.

After the tragedy on September 11, 2001, the musical industry was deeply affected and in great depression, and no musical lasted for more than a week. Then Mamma Mia! stepped on stage, with its catchy songs, humorous style and positive attitude toward life, and immediately caused a sensation.

The story takes place on a romantic Greek island. One day, a young girl named Sophie is about to get married. She lived with her mother Donna and never knew who her father was. In order to find him and realize the dream of being walked down the aisle by her own father, she sent letters to three of her mother's former boyfriends. Those three men all accepted the invitation and came to the wedding. In the next 24 hours, great changes take place in Sophie's life and family. The whole musical is full of the 22 classic songs of the band ABBA, delivering joy and a positive attitude about life to every audience.

Mamma Mia! tells a story of love between mother and daughter, romantic love and people's lives and careers. There is humorous dialogue as well as a moving plot that may bring audience to tears, coupled with superb production values. It's suitable for all the family to enjoy.

Special features

On June 2, 2010, China Arts and Entertainment Group signed a contract with the producer and copyright owner of Mamma Mia! and after a year's careful preparation, the musical is now on show at the Shanghai Grand Theater, the first leg of its six months Chinese mainland performance tour.

The Chinese version successfully retains the original flavor of the classic musical with international highest-level stage equipment and the best local actors. Also, many Chinese factors have been added to make the show a more pleasurable experience for local audiences.