Musical extravaganza will shine a spotlight on culture of Xiamen

The 2nd National Excellent Musical Showcase is scheduled to take place in Xiamen, Fujian province, between Nov 10 and 25, during which musical productions, seminars and public performances will be hosted throughout the city.

Cohosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People's Government of Fujian province, 18 musicals from around China will be staged in Xiamen's five major theater venues.

According to Huang Xiaoju, deputy director of the ministry's art department, this year's event received a total of 96 submissions from 25 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, three art troupes directly affiliated to the ministry, and two music conservatories.

These numbers mark a significant increase compared to the first edition of the musical event, hosted in 2018 in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, which received 36 submissions and showcased six musicals.

To make the musicals accessible to a broader audience, this year's performances will be livestreamed on multiple platforms, and the ticket prices range between 80 yuan ($10.93) and 680 yuan.

Along with the theater performances, around 40 activities will be hosted, including 15 seminars, where experts will critically appraise these productions, discuss theories pertaining to musicals, and provide references for future musical creation.

Some of the crew members of the musicals and experts in the genre will give master classes at several universities, including Xiamen University and Jimei University.

A conference centered on the development of the musical theater industry will provide a platform for exchange and collaboration.

At Xiamen's urban landmarks and sightseeing spots, flash mob performances and mini-concerts will provide the citizens and tourists with immersive experiences and an artistic ambiance.

Musical lovers are also encouraged to post their reviews, creations and photos on social media.