The Chinese animated hit ‘Link Click’, renowned for its emotional storytelling and thrilling time-travel adventures, has leaped from the screen to the stage, captivating audiences in a whole new way. Since its debut as a resident musical in Shanghai in 2023, the production has surpassed 500 performances, ranking among China’s top immersive theater shows of 2024.
The story follows two young men, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, who operate a mysterious photo studio. Through a simple high-five, they can jump into moments captured in photographs, altering events to resolve others’ regrets. Now, this intriguing universe is brought to life through riveting songs, dynamic choreography, and a 360-degree rotating auditorium that immerses the audience in every emotional twist.
“What matters most for musical audiences is telling a complete story clearly and logically,” said Chen Xiaoyi, producer of the musical. “We focused on recreating all the key scenes and tried something new by rotating the audience to enhance their experience.”
The production team selected two standout episodes from the series to anchor the stage adaptation. With meticulous attention to detail, sets and costumes were crafted to closely mirror the original animation’s aesthetics. The musical score blends stylized local flavors, transforming everyday phrases into gentle melodies that resonate with the audience.
For the cast, bringing animated characters to life presents a unique challenge. “Portraying an animation character is challenging because the audience already has a well-established image in their minds,” explained actress Qiang Dongyue, who plays Qiao Ling, the kind-hearted landlady. “I could only make subtle adjustments that fit my personality and constantly check fan feedback to improve.”
Guo Hongxu, who embodies the energetic Cheng Xiaoshi, echoed the sentiment about the complexity of translating animated gestures to the stage. “The most difficult part was the physicality—making those big movements feel natural without appearing awkward. We spent a long time figuring that out together,” he said. “I think the trust between actors and audiences helped us overcome that challenge.”
Wang Minhui, portraying the composed Lu Guang, noted the balance between staying true to the character and bringing personal interpretation. “The challenge is presenting your interpretation in a way that’s accepted by most viewers while still being authentic to yourself,” he shared.
The emotional impact of the musical has left a lasting impression on the production team. “Seeing audience reactions right after the show is the most impactful thing for me,” said Chen. “I often hear people whispering, ‘That was so touching,’ or ‘The show stayed true to the original.’ The viewers who grew up with Chinese animation are now adults, so the fanbase has expanded.”
The creators behind the original animation are also exploring new formats, including dance videos and musical projects, to deepen the narrative world. “We believe that expressing the story through different formats allows more people to discover ‘Link Click’,” said Zhang Shengyan, vice president of Bilibili and lead producer of the animation. “Some musical fans might not be anime fans, but they learn about ‘Link Click’ through the musical. Reaching diverse audiences through different media is a big plus for us.”
Despite international collaborations with South Korean illustrators and Japanese writers, the core of the animation remains a product of Chinese creativity. “It showcases our improving domestic capabilities and creative talent,” Zhang remarked. “With better production standards and stronger creative direction, our content can truly resonate with international audiences.”
Proactive overseas promotion is also part of their strategy. ‘Link Click’ has launched on multiple global platforms, and fan events abroad have drawn large crowds. According to Zhang, successful international expansion relies on strong content quality and proactive management working together.
From a digital animation series to a top-ranking immersive stage show, ‘Link Click’ proves that powerful storytelling transcends mediums. As one of China’s most popular anime, comics, and games (ACG) properties, it’s a shining example of how homegrown cultural creations can evolve, adapt, and captivate audiences worldwide.
