Early bird tickets for musical Lurk

A poster for the musical "Lurk." File photos

Early bird tickets for the premiere of the Chinese musical “Lurk” will go on sale tomorrow morning.

Adapted from Long Yi's novel of the same title, the musical will run for four performances from Dec. 24–27 at Shenzhen Poly Theater. The spy thriller was adapted into a successful TV series in 2009.

Those who purchase tickets for the Dec. 24 show will enjoy a 20% early bird discount, while tickets for other nights will offer a 10% discount. VIP members of the theater will enjoy an additional 10-15% discount on top of these, depending on their membership tier. Those who attend the Dec. 24 show will also receive a "Lurk file" merch item.

The stage adaptation presents the story in montage-style jumps through time and space, allowing reality and memory to overlap. Author Long endorsed the musical and praised its lyrics as emotionally exciting. Meanwhile, actor Sun Honglei, who played Yu Zecheng in the TV series, will make a cameo appearance in the show.

The story of the musical unfolds between 1946 and 1948, when the Chinese Civil War pressed toward its decisive battle. Yu Zecheng, a secret agent for the Kuomintang, is his chief's most trusted man—steady, thorough, and never showing his edge. No one knows that he is also a CPC member, sending core military and political intelligence to the front lines to help the CPC.

To help Yu better hide his identity, the CPC sends guerrilla fighter Cuiping to pose as his wife. A girl used to guns and mountain trails, Cuiping is forced to put on a qipao and step into the mahjong games and dinner parties of the wives. An opera troupe boss surnamed Zhou works as their handler: on stage he sings of human joys and sorrows; off stage he delivers life-and-death secret messages. The three work together seamlessly, passing intelligence and eliminating traitors through one perilous situation after another. When a KMT battle plan that could tip the war's balance lands in their hands, a KMT officer tightens his surveillance and begins to have doubts about Yu.

The cast includes actors from musical theater, film and television, and traditional Chinese opera. In particular, opera troupe boss Zhou is interpreted by Tang Kai and Yu Weigang, both winners of the Chinese Plum Blossom Award.

Director Xiao Jie's credits include the musicals “Nasreddin Afanti” and “Rock of Ages.” The music is provided by Liu Jiuyou, and the writing team of Tian Chenming, An Jingwen, and Yang Nan provides the script. Set designer Liu Kedong and costume designer Yang Donglin are both top talent in their professions.

A poster for the musical "Lurk."

Tickets: 180-880 yuan

Time: Dec. 24-27

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater
Source: ShenzhenDaily