Acclaimed Chinese theatre director Meng Jinghui says he has tried to hide the edginess in his first musical project to make it more acceptable to general audiences.

"The Hanging Garden Murder Case" opened Tuesday night at Beijing's Citycomb Theatre.

Despite its thriller-like name, the two-hour production is more like a "black humor musical drama," as the director stated.

The play starts with news about a missing real estate mogul. His Rolls-Royce was deserted in a dump and some dismembered body parts, suspected to be his, found in an ATM machine. In desperation his wife offers a 10-million-yuan luxurious villa, "the hanging garden," as reward for any information. Three innocent people, eager to help their beloved out of poverty, financial trouble or declining fame, make separate plans to have their loved ones report them as the murderer…

Two years ago, Meng Jinghui intended to produce a movie about a robbery at a real estate sales office. However, halfway through the project was abandoned. He then decided to bring it to theatre and finally came up with the idea of a musical.

"The story is nothing but a farce, with strange characters, extreme style and sarcasm," the "Rhinoceros in Love" director said, "if there is no singing, it will sound unauthentic."

This is something like the start of China's original musical in terms of story, concept and music, Meng said. "If I don't start doing it, the audience for musicals will all be stolen by Broadway."

He revealed that he has a five-year plan. That is, starting in 2009, he will come out with a musical show every year.

"The Hanging Garden Murder Case" is scheduled to run for 100 nights across the country this year. The debut run will last till June 13 in Beijing, followed by a leg in Shanghai from June 18 to 26.

(CRI May 27, 2009)