In the Spring of 2026, a stellar feast that transcends languages and stages will soon shine brightly. From the legendary redemption of Les Misérables in London West End to the poignant echoes of an era in Broadway Miss Saigon; from the romantic poetry of French musicals to the classical gravitas of German-language musical stages—the souls that live within the songs will step out of their stories and meet on the same stage.

As a highlight of the "Show Life—2026 Shanghai International Musical Festival," this concert series brings together leading voices from London West End, New York Broadway, and the German-language and French musical scenes. Among them are cherished friends who have graced the stage of the Shanghai Culture Square Theater multiple times, as well as accomplished vocalists making their debut solo concert appearances in Shanghai.

Spanning the entire spring season, over ten performances will unfold one after another. This is not merely a curated retrospective of productions but a profound dialogue on stage—beyond their iconic roles, audiences will witness introspective monologues on their artistic journeys, the dynamic collision of musical ideas, and the vibrant energy of the stage across diverse cultural contexts. Let us eagerly anticipate these shining names as they gather on the stage of the Shanghai Culture Square Theater, weaving their most heartfelt melodies into a galaxy of stars that bridges the world of musical theatre.

SYNOPSIS

When "shadow" (Schatten) and "radiance" (Glanz) intertwine through melody, the eternal dramatic tension of German musicals comes to life. "Schatten & Glanz" is not only an audiovisual feast but also a glorious reunion of four stars who once shone brightly on the stage of the Shanghai Culture Square.

Jan Ammann, with his captivating performance in Ludwig2 : The King is Back, etched the romance and struggles of the legendary monarch into the memories of Shanghai audiences. Martin Markert, portraying both the shadow man and Otto in the same production, showcased the multifaceted complexities of human nature with nuanced artistry. Annemieke van Dam moved seamlessly between the freedom-seeking empress in ELISABETH and the secretive housekeeper in REBECCA, demonstrating breathtaking versatility. Antonia Kalinowski delivered an unforgettable international stage debut in REBECCA with her powerfully expressive vocals. Their performances have long been intertwined with the stage memories of the Shanghai Culture Square. Now, they reunite to weave together the artistic lineage of German-language musicals through selections from multiple landmark works.

In the interplay of “Schatten” and “Glanz”, classics are reborn, and starlight once again illuminates the Shanghai stage.

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