Musical brings Tom Chang’s best tunes back to life
Print Edition
THE original musical “More than Words,” based on songs by popular Taiwanese musician Tom Chang, who passed away 20 years ago, will help audiences travel back in time. The musical will kick off the 2016 Original Chinese Musical Season at Shanghai Culture Square this spring.
Chang, one of the most popular singers and composers in the 1980s and 1990s, created works that are still memorable for Taiwanese and mainlanders.
To commemorate the great musician who passed away at a young age, Guanta Arts Foundation in Taiwan created a show based on his works several years ago. The musical will be staged in Shanghai on February 27 and 28.
“More than Words” features a Beijing girl and a Taiwan boy pursuing their dreams in Beijing before finally figuring out what they cherish most and returning to the boy’s quiet seaside hometown.
“It is usually not easy to create musical stories based on ready songs, but it is not the case for Chang’s works, which cover a wide variety in both style and content,” said producer Wang Limin. About 23 songs were selected for the musical out of more than 100 of Chang’s works. His most popular songs like “My future is not a dream,” “More than words,” “The sea” and “Never say goodbye” are all part of the musical.
“Many people questioned whether the old songs will still touch today’s youth. I think the answer is yes. I witnessed many people who naturally sang along, ” says Chen Lerong, who used to collaborate with Chang.
According to Chen, modern songs often rely on images to relay emotions, while artists like Chang conveyed them through their music directly.
“That is very likely to be an outcome of the advanced technology that enables audiences to watch while they listen. But not many audiences today can recite any of their favorite songs,” said Chen.
Still, certain adjustments had to be made for the songs to be in line with the plot.
Initiated in 2012, the annual Original Chinese Musical Season is aimed at providing a platform for qualified original Chinese musicians. It’s also a way to promote the western art form to local audience. Though it was difficult to find enough quality shows in the first few years, things have improved in recent years, Fei Yuanhong, vice general manager of Shanghai Culture Square, said.
More than 10 original Chinese musical applied for the 2016 season from February 27 to March 26. Six of them were selected.
They include “Yue Yun” based on the legend of a young general, “The Phoenix” featuring a group of patriotic young people in war and “Dream @ Time,” which tells the story of a young girl from a traditional opera family who struggles to live her own dream.
In order to help promote the musicals, ticket prices are very affordable, at an average of 180 yuan (US$26.9).
“More than Words” by Quanta Arts Foundation
Date: February 27-28, 7:15pm
“Yue Yun” by China National Theater for Children
Date: March 4-5, 2pm, 7:15pm
“The Phoenix” by Shanghai Theater Academy
Date: March 12, 7:15pm
“Turn Left, Turn Right” by Renli Feixing Theater
Date: March 18-19, 7:15pm
“Dream @ Time” by Guangdong Institute of Han Opera Inheritance
Date: March 22, 7:15pm
“Rock West Chamber” by Xinyi Theater
Date: March 25-26, 7:15pm
Venue: Shanghai Culture Square
Address: 597 Fuxing Rd M.
Tickets: 80-380 yuan
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