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A new Chinese musical, “The Longest Day in Chang’an”, is bringing the splendor of the Tang Dynasty to life on stage. Premiering at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on February 14, the show immerses audiences in ancient Chang’an—modern-day Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province—once the thriving capital of one of China’s most prosperous eras.
The musical follows Li Bi, the deputy minister of city security, and Zhang Xiaojing, a former death row inmate turned commander, as they race against time to save the city within 24 hours. Director Hu Xiaoqing aims to offer audiences a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture through intricate stage designs, authentic costumes, traditional music, dances, martial arts, and the time-honored Qinqiang Opera originating from Shaanxi Province.
“During the Tang Dynasty, Chang’an was a global hub where people from all over the world gathered,” Hu said. “We explore different musical and dance styles here. I think this is about us transcending our limits.”
Mao Haifei, who portrays Zhang Xiaojing, shared his experience of visiting Xi’an while rehearsing. “I went to Datang Everbright City,” he said. “Although I knew it had been renovated, I could really feel the splendor of the Tang Dynasty.”
French Actor Laurent Ban Joins the Cast
Adding an international flair to the production is French musical theater actor Laurent Ban. Known for his roles in the French musical Mozart, l’Opéra Rock, Ban takes on the role of Ge Lao, the mysterious ruler of Chang’an’s underworld. Challenging himself, he performs entirely in Chinese, even delivering lines in Qinqiang Opera.
“Acting in Chinese totally destroyed my way of acting in French,” Ban admitted. “As I always say, I don’t like staying in my comfort zone. I really wanted to try something very hard.”
Director Hu revealed that incorporating Ban’s theatrical background added a new layer to the show. “This musical has an international appeal while maintaining a distinctly Chinese style, which allows for a lot of fusion. We wondered if any French theater elements could be blended with the Chinese style.”
This fusion comes to life in the number “Le Chef,” featuring lyrics partially in French and musical elements inspired by French theater traditions. Ban expressed his eagerness to continue learning Chinese and working on future projects in the country. “If it works this time, I’ll keep improving. Over time, I hope to learn more and more Chinese. I’d love to collaborate on new projects and creations,” he said.
The Rise of Chinese-Style Musicals
Chinese-style musicals have been gaining traction in recent years. Director Hu believes this trend will continue to grow. “These musicals tap into the very essence of our culture,” she said. “When we hear Chinese music on stage, it creates a powerful emotional resonance. Our original musicals must tell our stories in a way that is deeply rooted in our own emotions.”
Mao hopes that “The Longest Day in Chang’an” can eventually reach audiences beyond China. “My lifelong dream is for one of the musicals I perform in to make it to Broadway or the West End, so we can share our Chinese story with the world,” he said. “That would be my greatest honor.”
Hu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of learning from global theater while staying true to Chinese storytelling. “We must not limit our vision to just our own country. We need to seek out better ideas, learn from how others tell their stories, and find ways to strengthen ourselves. I truly believe we will continue to grow,” she said.
