Back in college, I briefly dated a theatre major. During that time, I saw two of her performances, one of which involved her standing on stage in her bra and panties for over half the show. It was at this point, a small BIG appreciation of theatre began to grow. A few years later, I ended up dating a theatre critic in San Diego who invited me to just about every show available. This gave me the opportunity for me to expand my appreciation of theatre beyond just the lower half of my body.
So now I'm sympathetic to the trials that "theatre folk" must endure to launch and put on their shows. It's not just learning your lines and putting up the set...you really have to work your tail off to get people into the show.
That said, I Heart Beijing will open this weekend, which means that the promoters are out in force. In the past two weeks alone, my attempt at a Coca-Cola induced, non-alcoholic stupor at the local bars has repeatedly been interrupted by the "adver-stickering" of my clothes (and forehead). The first and third time were by someone named Elyse and the second by another lady named Marisa. (To be honest, I initially thought they were the same person, mainly because after two years in China, all white women start to look alike.)
I finally gave in and checked out their website and after reading the synopsis, I think the show has enough potential to check it out. It probably wont hit Broadway anytime soon, but it should get a few laughs out of the local expat crowd.
So if you're in Beijing during the showing, try to attend. Judging from the promoters, they really are throwing their hearts into this and could use our support.
Note: Yes, I completely stole their poster image...but I have a feeling they wont mind.
More Notes: And while this isn't a musical, I know what my friend Brian is going to say as soon as he sees the photo above.