As a city that takes culture seriously, Beijing probably has the pickiest theater-goers in China, or at least pickier than Shanghai's.

This seems reflected in the indifferent quality of Shanghai productions, especially theatrical works. Although every year many Shanghai productions tour the capital, few make it at the box office or win critical acclaim.

The play "Days Live with Stewardess" is one of the exceptions.

It was wildly popular not only in Shanghai when it premiered at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center in 2007, but was also a big hit in Beijing when it toured last year. Devoid of both a dramatic plot or an avant-garde approach, it has nevertheless won over audiences with its simple love story, clean lines and natural performances.

The success of the play has made its young director He Nian a best-selling name in both Shanghai and Beijing.

Adapted from the popular online novel of the same title, the play's starting point is the accidental meeting between a stewardess, Ran Jing, and an ordinary Shanghai office clerk, Lu Fei. Ran has just broken up with her boyfriend and gets drunk at a bar where Lu comforts her and takes her home. A romance unfolds naturally.

"One of my friends recommended the online novel to me in 2005. I loved it as soon as I read it and found it had touched many young people," says He.

"But it lacked the drama for it to be adapted into a theatrical work. So I added a video projection and pop songs to make it more entertaining."

The play returns to Beijing for a new run at the PLA Opera Theater from March 4 to 8.

The new production is directed by Bao Li, who was He's classmate at the Shanghai Academy of Drama and assisted him in the 2007 production. Bao says she has preserved He's original flavor, while adding some animation and other elements.

Shanghai Academy of Drama graduate Wang Bailun will play Lu while Ran will be played by Zhai Xufei, who earned much praise for her role in "Crazy Craziness" last summer.

(China Daily February 27, 2009)