At the end of 2021, a Shanghai dialect film titled B for Busy emerged as a surprise hit in the Chinese film industry, winning numerous prestigious awards like the Golden Rooster Awards for Best Writing. In October 2023, the Shanghai dialect musical adaptation of the film, B for Busy, premiered in Shanghai. It received rave reviews with a high rating of 8.5 on Douban, leaving a large audience who missed it exclaiming, “Don’t make us wait too long!”
Amid everyone’s eager anticipation, a piece of good news arrives: The musical B for Busy, as a play of the 2024 Shanghai · Jing’an Modern Drama Valley and a special performance in “The City of Musicals” S2, will run for 21 shows at the Majestic Theater from May 2 to May 20. This makes it the most frequently performed play in the Jing’an Modern Drama Valley this year.
In the stories of B for Busy, “Bai’s Home” is one of the most important settings. Many iconic scenes take place in this two-story house, leaving memorable moments. To allow the audience to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of the musical stage and explore the behind-the-scene details of the production, Jing’an Modern Drama Valley, in collaboration with the musical B for Busy, has created a special pop-up store. They have brought “Bai’s Home” to Zhang Yuan, welcoming the audience into this immersive theatrical experience space for a “playful adventure” and having a unique taste of Shanghai. Zhang Yuan is a community of hundreds of shikumen (a style featuring Western and Chinese elements) houses in downtown Shanghai’s Jing’an district.
On April 1, the limited-time pop-up store of Jing’an Modern Drama Valley X the musical B for Busy officially opened. As you stroll along the side of Zhang Yuan near North Maoming Road, your attention will be immediately drawn to a massive purple heart-shaped inflatable on the balcony of the second floor. This is “Bai’s Home”.
Upon entering the interior, the audience can pass through the foyer, audiovisual room, cloakroom, Alexander’s bedroom, and living room, among other spaces. Through live exhibitions and interactive installations, the audience can deeply immerse themselves in the full process of creating the musical B for Busy from scriptwriting and music composition to costume design and prop production. They will have the opportunity to witness the birth of a musical firsthand and see a more authentic side of the characters’ lives.
In the audiovisual room, once you put on the headphones, you can delve into the composing process of the theme song “The Most Beautiful Gift” and other works by Composer Peng Fei for the musical B for Busy. As you sit in the living room, you will not only encounter the perfectly recreated stage scenes but also have the opportunity to reflect quietly on the flavors of life, blending both bustling and sentiment of life.
“Bai’s Home” not only offers an enjoyable and entertaining experience but also serves delightful food and drinks. During the opening of the limited-time pop-up store, the musical team will collaborate with Blue Bottle Coffee to introduce a special limited-edition drink called “Jasmine New Orleans-style Coffee”. Moreover, there will also be a collaboration with Mi Qing Pu Zi for a Shanghai-style dim sum workshop. The audience can enjoy coffee and make butterfly pastries together with the actors from the musical amid conversations about work and life, experiencing the refined hospitality that Shanghai locals are known for.
On the afternoons of April 6 and 13, “Bai’s Home” will invite actors from the musical to visit and share the on-the-stage and behind-the-scenes stories and their gains and insights about the creation. On the afternoons of April 7 and 14, the audience can make the same butterfly pastries as appeared in the film and experience the fun of DIY afternoon tea...
Besides, “Bai’s Home” also integrates online and offline activities. Field audiences, as long as participate in the various activities initiated by the musical team on social media platforms, can have the chance to win a “B for Busy Golden Quote Draw” through a lucky draw and bring them their very own exclusive “good luck”.
Instead of telling others’ stories, the musical B for Busy not only innovatively interprets “Shanghai culture” on stage but also transforms vibrant scenes in the play into tangible and lively lifestyles imbued with hustle and bustle. It provides a successful example of seamless integration between culture, business, and tourism, allowing the city and theater to coexist and create a romantic urban myth where the entire city becomes a stage.
Activity Information
Limited-time Pop-up Store of Jing’an Modern Drama Valley X the Musical B for Busy
Venue: Building 8, Zhang Yuan (188 Lane, North Maoming Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai)
Opening Date: April 1-14 (special events on April 8, closed to the public)
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 every day
(Scan the QR code to make an appointment for a free entry)