Top 6 Events in Shanghai This Week

By Andrew Chin

Dec 13-Jan 15: Mozart!
This hit musical celebrates the legacy of the Austrian composer focusing on the child prodigy turned adult making the radical change to leave the royal court and find the distinct artistic path that produced enduring pieces like ‘Requiem.’ In that same spirit, this musical adds a modern makeover to the story. So far, it’s been a hit across Europe and will make its Shanghai debut with a 40-show run at Shanghai Culture Square.
Dec 13-Jan 15, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (weekends), RMB80-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square, 36 Yongjia Lu, by Jianguo Lu

Dec 14-Mar 26: Sleep No More
Image by Stephen Dobbie and Lindsay Nolin

Punchdrunk Theater's unique take on Macbeth has been described as  pioneer of immersive theater and has enjoyed years-long sold-out runs in New York, London and Brookline, Massachusetts. For its first production in Asia, they've converted an abandoned Jingan office building into the stylish McKinnon Hotel straight out of 1920s Shanghai. Rather than a traditional sit-down experience, guests are invited to explore the venue's six floor where they will run into performers and attempt to unravel this mysterious world. Expect the show to be one of the hardest tickets in town with reservations already booked until the Spring holiday.
Dec 14-Mar 26, 7pm/7.15pm/7.30pm/7.45pm (Wed-Sat) and 3pm/3.15pm/3.30pm/3.45pm (Sat-Sun), RMB550 (RMB650 on Fri-Sat evenings).

McKinnon Hotel, 1013 Beijing Xi Lu, by Jianging Lu (5299 0571, [e-mail])

Dec 14 and 16-17: Mike Ward
The Canadian comic has three platinum comedy albums and was named one of the top 25 comics of all time by Montreal’s hallowed Just For Laughs Festival. He’ll be performing three shows in Shanghai – a French language set at The Pearl on Thursday (rescheduled from last week), as well as headlining performances in English at Shanghai’s Comedy Club’s two locations on the weekend.
Dec 14, 9pm, RMB200-250. The Pearl, 471 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu
Dec 16, 8.30pm, RMB150-180. SCC @ Ruijin Cajun, Block A3, 800 Changde Lu, by Changping Lu
Dec 17, 8.30pm, RMB150-180. SCC @ Jalapeño, 393 Weihai Lu, by Shimen Yi Lu

Dec 15: Lenka
The multitalented Australian may have started out acting where she trained with Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, but she soared to international prominence thanks to her megahit, ‘The Show.’ Her charming indie-pop has grown in complexity and acclaim with Sony signing her to an innovative partnership for her fourth album, last year’s The Bright Side.
Dec 15, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Lu, by Shiji Dadao.

Dec 16: The Great Wall
After months of anticipation, the largest Chinese-US film production will finally debut. Matt Damon controversially stars in this sci-fi epic about an alien invasion in ancient China. Acclaimed director Zhang Yimou (Hero) will certainly supply stunning visuals but will this story created by World War Z scribe Max Brooks strike a chord in China months before its North American release?

Dec 16: The Camel Grand (Re) Opening

The long-running sports bar debuts its new look with this official opening party that includes live music, free mulled wine from 7-8pm, free Carlsberg from 9-10pm and free tequila at midnight. Not enough free stuff? There will also be freee menu samplers throughout the night showcasing creations from new chef Mark Beckwith.
Dec 16, 6pm, free entry. The Camel, 1 Yueyang Lu, by Dongping Lu

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