Playing the Phantom in the current world tour is Jonathan Roxmouth, the youngest English-speaking Phantom. Having performed the show more than 700 times, he tries to push aside the pressure, and not to keep a count any more, though "I do dream of celebrating my 1,000th show as the Phantom", he says.

Staying in Shanghai for the coming six weeks, the actors are looking forward to experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the city. Grace Roberts, who now plays the role of Christine Daae, the young singer, says that she wants to see the city from the top of the Shanghai Tower, and also have afternoon tea with a view of the Bund.

Raab, on the other hand, recalls spending Spring Festival in Shanghai 20 years ago, when she saw the Yuyuan Garden decorated with beautiful lanterns. "This year, we will probably be celebrating the new year in Guangzhou," she says.

The 2024 China tour took the musical to Shenzhen in Guangdong province from July 2 to Aug 4, and Xi'an in Shaanxi province from Aug 13 to 18.

After the shows in Shanghai, the production will perform in Suzhou of Jiangsu province from Oct 22 to Nov 3, Chengdu in Sichuan province from Nov 12 to 24, Beijing from Dec 3 to 29, and Guangzhou of Guangdong from Jan 7 to 26.

zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn