An ode to a Russian masterpiece

The new team is the musical troupe established by the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera. Ayanga, one of the most popular musical actors in China, currently heads the team. Besides serving as the producer, the ethnic Mongolian singer is also the leading actor who plays the hero Edmond Dantes in the Chinese version of Monte Cristo.

The production employs three cast members for each role. The other two Dantes are played by Yu Yi and Ye Qisheng. The heroine Mercedes is played by Lou Yixiao, Xu Yao and Xu Lidong.

"Edmond is the most challenging role of my career," Yu says. "The songs are difficult, and yet the fully charged emotional expressions are very satisfying. It is a production that any musical actor would regret not being a part of."