'Should not be forgotten:' How to see Phoenix premier of 'Tiananmen: A New Musical'
On Friday, Oct. 6, the world premiere of "Tiananmen: A New Musical" will take place at the Phoenix Theatre Company, despite the lead actor dropping out weeks before the opening.
The debut comes 34 years after the tragedy in China's Tiananmen Square and will run at the Phoenix Theatre Company until Oct. 29, 2023.
The production is led by director Darren Lee, stars Kennedy Kanagawa and Ellie Wang and the musical was conceived by creative consultant Wu'er Kaixi, who is also known for his leading role in the 1989 Tiananmen student movement.
Here's what to know bout the new musical.
Is 'Tiananmen: A New Musical' based on a true story?
"Tiananmen: A New Musical" is based on the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre that took place in China in 1989.
The Tiananmen Square protests were student-led demonstrations that took place in April 1989 that were calling for democracy, free speech and free press in China.
As the protests went on, thousands of people joined the students in Tiananmen Square and continued to grow in size until the Chinese government declared martial law on May 20 and sent 250,000 troops to Beijing.
On June 4, Chinese soldiers, along with the police, stormed Tiananmen Square and began firing at the protestors. Thousands of protestors were killed, while it is estimated that more than 10,000 were arrested.
What is 'Tiananmen: A New Musical' about?
According to The Phoenix Theatre Company's website, "Tiananmen: A New Musical" will allow viewers to "experience the epic love story set against a moment in time that should not be forgotten."
The new musical produced by Quixote Productions in Phoenix will show the months leading up to the final hours of the protests where love was found, friendships were torn apart, political figures fell from grace and the world was transfixed by the universal struggle for freedom.
How to see 'Tiananmen: A New Musical' at The Phoenix Theatre Company
When: The show will run Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday Oct. 29. There will be nightly showings in addition to matinees on certain dates.
Where: The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
Admission: Tickets start at $55 with the price changing depending on your seat selection.
Details: phoenixtheatre.com.
More on the Phoenix Theatre Company: Phoenix Theatre Company breaks ground on $30M renovation. Here's what's coming
Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New musical chronicling Tiananmen Square protests debuts in Phoenix
