Theatres all across Beijing are buzzing in November. Wonderful performances will be staged one after another, including plays, ballets and musicals.
Ballets: "The Sleeping Beauty" & "Don Quixote"
Dates: November 12–15, 2026
Venue: Opera House, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
Brief Introduction: The Mariinsky Ballet, known as the "Ballet Aircraft Carrier", together with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, will give five performances at the NCPA, presenting two timeless classical ballet masterpieces: "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Don Quixote". Choreographed by Marius Petipa, the latter is celebrated for its distinctive Spanish flair.
Broadway Original Musical "Chicago" 30th Anniversary Edition
Dates: November 12–15, 2026
Venue: Grand Theatre, Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center
Brief Introduction: Adapted from real‑life criminal cases, the show was brought to the stage in 1975 by musical legend Bob Fosse. It tells the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her.
Mozart's Opera "The Magic Flute"
Dates: November 24–29, 2026
Venue: Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
Brief Introduction: "The Magic Flute" is Mozart's final opera, featuring extensive spoken German dialogue. In this work, Mozart ingeniously blends the solemnity of Italian opera, the earthy simplicity of German folk songs, and the wit of comedy, resulting in an extraordinarily rich musical language.
Broadway Original Musical "Kinky Boots"
Dates: November 25, 2026–December 4, 2026
Venue: Grand Theatre, Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center
Brief Introduction: It follows Charlie, a young man who reluctantly inherits his family's struggling shoe factory and eventually saves it. When at his wits' end, Charlie meets a talented performer called Lola. The two hit it off and design a pair of red high‑heeled boots, taking their small‑town factory onto the global stage. The musical has won a host of top international theater honors, including six Tony Awards (including Best Musical and Best Original Score), three Laurence Olivier Awards, plus the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Play "Copenhagen"
Dates: November 26–29, 2026
Venue: National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
Brief Introduction: The original script of "Copenhagen" was completed in 1998. Based on a famous historical mystery within the physics community during World War II, the play features only three characters and unfolds almost entirely through dialogue. It is renowned for its unique structure, mysterious theatrical atmosphere and sharp, clashing intellectual debates.
Which one is your favorite? Grab your friends and head to the theatre!
(Source: Beijing Federation of Literary & Art Circles)
