Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical Sunset Boulevard is set to make its highly anticipated debut in China with a strictly limited engagement. Following sold-out runs in Australia and Singapore, the acclaimed production will premiere at Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts on 27 March before heading to Shanghai, Wuhan, and Shenzhen.

The production features world-renowned soprano Sarah Brightman in the lead role of Norma Desmond, marking her theatrical return to China after more than three decades. Brightman, who famously originated the role of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera, said she is eager to reconnect with Chinese audiences.

“I am very much looking forward to returning to China to perform in this incredible production. I love visiting and performing in China, which I have done many times, including at the Olympic Games. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and making many new ones,” Brightman shared.

A musical legacy

Based on the 1950 film by Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard tells the story of Norma Desmond, a fading silent film star who dreams of a triumphant return to Hollywood. The musical first premiered in London’s Adelphi Theatre in 1993 before making its Broadway debut a year later, setting records for the highest advance ticket sales at the time.

The upcoming China tour follows successful engagements in Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore, with Brightman leading an acclaimed cast that includes Tim Draxl as Joe Gillis, Robert Grubb as Max Von Mayerling, Ashleigh Rubenach as Betty Schaefer, and Jarrod Draper as Artie Green.

This new production, directed by Paul Warwick Griffin, features set and costume design by Morgan Large, choreography by Ashley Wallen, and musical supervision by Kristen Blodgette.

China tour dates and venues

• Beijing: National Centre for the Performing Arts (27 March – 13 April)

• Shanghai: AIA Grand Theatre North Bund (18-26 April)

• Wuhan: Qintai Grand Theatre (2-10 May)

• Shenzhen: Poly Theater (16-24 May)

The production showcases some of Lloyd Webber’s most beloved songs, including With One Look, The Perfect Year, and As If We Never Said Goodbye.