The classic drama "The Number One Restaurant" will meet audiences again at the Beijing People's Art Theater on Wednesday, to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Chinese drama and the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Beijing People's Art Theater.

The drama, with a strong Beijing flavor, is another widely acclaimed work, and has been performed over 400 times since its first debut.

The drama has made tour performances to major Chinese cities, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, and has also been invited to visit Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and other Asian countries.

The drama is set against the background of the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, telling the story of a restaurant's rise and fall.

All the actors and actresses have undertaken a three-hour rehearsal a day prior to the staging. The drama director Gu Wei is confident they will present audiences an excellent and successful play.

The drama will be on stage in the Capital Theater every night from September 5 to September 14.

Lu Mengshi, acted by Yang Lixin (L) and Yu Chu, acted by Yue Xiuqing, during final rehearsals for "The Number One Restaurant" on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, in Beijing.

(CRI.cn September 5, 2007)