A classic tale returns

"For me, the most important thing is the truthful existence of the actor onstage, the honesty of their experiences and emotions. In my musicals, I try to combine the classical Russian school of experiential theater with the visual effectiveness and technological sophistication of the show," Chevik says.

Anfisa Kirillina, who plays the titular role in the musical, says that "Anna is sensitive and brave. Before she met Vronsky, she didn't understand love, even though she got married and became a mother. Love means the whole world to her so she decided to leave her husband and her child to pursue her true love. At the same time, she is fearful and struggles inside. Her fate is tragic, but that's her choice. Her character is rich in complexity."

During the Beijing stop, six shows were staged within four days, from Friday to Monday, attracting packed audiences who celebrated the new year by having a theater experience.

"The most striking part of the production was the sets and costumes, which evoked the lavish excess of the 19th-century Russian aristocracy," says an audience member surnamed Mo, who watched the original version of the Russian musical in Beijing on Friday.

"The scenery in the musical transitions seamlessly from the train station to the concert hall and the ice rink. I really enjoyed this reimagining of the timeless classic," Mo adds.