A poster for the original English production of The Phantom of the Opera. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The original English production of The Phantom of the Opera is taking the stage at the Hangzhou Grand Theater from Dec 9 to 21, offering 16 performances at its only stop in East China's Zhejiang province.

As one of the world's most iconic musicals, the production marks Hangzhou's first two-week run of a large-scale musical, introduced by Hangzhou Culture, Radio and Television Group with a multi-million-yuan investment. Audience numbers are expected to exceed 24,000.

On Dec 7, leading cast members Samuel Wyn-Morris (The Phantom), Grace Roberts (Christine), and Rory McCollum (Raoul) met audiences on a Qiantang River cruise, sharing their experiences with the show and their impressions of Hangzhou.

The actors spoke of the challenges and excitement of performing in this legendary musical and expressed their fondness for the city — from walking by West Lake to enjoying local tea culture.

With the iconic chandelier set to rise, Hangzhou audiences are ready to step into the world of The Phantom of the Opera.

Leading cast members pose for a photo aboard a cruise on the Qiantang River, with drones forming the shape of a mask in the background. [Photo/WeChat account: OKhtv2]