A poster of “The Lady of the Camellias,” to be staged in Pingshan in December.

You may have read the novel “The Lady of the Camellias,” watched its opera, stage and film adaptations, or heard its story told in other forms. But chances are, you have never seen it as a musical.

The world's first musical adaptation of “The Lady of the Camellias” will come to Pingshan this December, with five performances at the Pingshan Theater. The show will be in French with Chinese subtitles. 

Based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils, the production follows Armand Duval, a young bourgeois from a respectable family, who falls in love with Marguerite Gautier, a celebrated courtesan known for carrying camellias and nicknamed “the lady of the camellias.” 

The couple leave Paris to live a quiet life in the countryside, but their short-lived happiness is destroyed by Armand’s father, who asks Marguerite to end the relationship to protect the family’s reputation and Armand's sister's future marriage prospects. 

Marguerite reluctantly agrees, pretending that she no longer loves Armand. Believing himself betrayed, Armand humiliates Marguerite and breaks her heart. By the time he learns the truth, she is seriously ill with tuberculosis. He comes to her side as she is dying, and pledges that his love for her will never die.

The cast brings together young emerging singers as well as seasoned musical theater and operetta performers. Some are winners or finalists of popular national talent competitions. Its composer and music director, Christophe Houssin, is known for blending the grandeur of classical music with the rhythm and energy of pop. He has worked on several musicals and albums.

Its director, Gilles Rico, holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oxford. Working across both opera and musical theater, he is known for his innovative approach and has been involved in numerous productions in both fields.

The musical’s book is by Alexandre Bonstein, who also wrote the book for the hit French musical “Le Rouge et le Noir.” Set designer Bruno de Lavenère was part of the design team for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He has also worked extensively with the Paris Opera and the Moscow Opera.

Choreographer Romain Rachline Borgeaud has created choreography for a number of major productions in Paris and on Broadway and the West End. Costume designer Karolina Luisoni, a regular collaborator with the Lausanne Opera, specializes in creating lavish stage looks with a strong sense of drama.

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 11-13 (Dec. 12-13 also at 2:30 p.m.)

Booking: WeChat account “PingShanTheatre”

Venue: Pingshan Theater, Pingshan District (坪山大剧院)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1

SkyShuttle: Line 1 to Culture Center Station (文化聚落站), Exit A