DURING WWII, over 23,000 Jews landed in Shanghai seeking refuge from Nazi persecution. This rarely told, true and inspirational story now comes to life as an epic new musical, “Shimmer.” Last week, “Shimmer” became the first Chinese musical to have an open-ended run in Broadway starting in 2019. Shanghai Hengyuanxiang (HYX) Drama Development Company, the producer of “Shimmer,” and Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment signed a deal Nov. 6 to bring the production to Broadway. It is the first time an original Chinese musical has been exported to Broadway, as well as the only show to become resident there. The musical, also known as “Jews in Shanghai,” will also begin its open-ended run in Shanghai in 2019. Featuring a book by Rong Guangrun, music by Peter Pui-Tat Kam, lyrics by Liang Mang, and direction by Xu Jun, “Shimmer” is a bilingual musical, performed in both English and Mandarin, with an original score inspired by music of the era, traditional Jewish and Chinese music, klezmer, and contemporary musical theater. The piece, which features a company of 35 Chinese and Israeli artists, premiered in September 2015 at Shanghai Culture Square, launching the 17th China Shanghai International Arts Festival. Five days later, the musical was chosen as the opening show for the 17th China Shanghai International Arts Festival. In December last year, it was presented at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square. “While this is based on a true story that took place over 80 years ago, this forgotten piece of world history could not be more relevant today,” says Bob Nederlander Jr., President of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment. “Two very different sets of people come together in a time of extreme danger and hardship. Together, these people grow stronger together, embracing one another’s diversity and discovering the common challenges that make them so alike. We could not be more excited to bring this musical to new audiences.” Chen Zhongwei, president of Shanghai HYX Drama, believes the Broadway run is a milestone for “Shimmer” in its goal to further spread its influence to the world. “In the next two years, our team will polish the story and the performance to Broadway standards, providing the audience with the highest level of musical art,” he said. Production teams from both sides will adapt the musical and recruit a new cast in New York to conform with Broadway standards. The musical will also be presented in 2019 to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. “Through this drama, the audience can feel the charm of Chinese culture,” said Sean Stein, consul general of the United States in Shanghai. “With this play being shown on Broadway in the future, the ties between the Chinese people and Americans will be firmly strengthened.” (SD-Agencies) | 