The musical based on the Oscar-winning film Casablanca will debut in Beijing in the Great Hall of the People on April 8 and run until April 12.

The musical was developed by the Time-Warner and the China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG), sources with the CAEG said here Wednesday.

Executive producer Patrick Conton said John Clifford, the world-renowned composer and director, worked with artists from across the world to recast the love story in a combination of tap dancing and music. The score will be with feature of the classic As Time Goes By and new songs.

CAEG General Manager Zhang Yu said the CAEG is "China's largest cultural company transformed from national cultural institution." Working with Time-Warner has helped CAEG become more "market-oriented."

Zhang Shurong, a senior official with the Beijing Municipal Government in charge of large activities, said that the world premiere of the musical will reflect Beijing's vitality in cultural sector and performing market.

According to rough statistics, the box office of performing arts in Beijing exceeded 400 million yuan (US$48.4 million) last year.

(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2005)