On the evening of January 7, INFO Guangdong invited members of Guangzhou's international community to attend the German-language musical Elisabeth (staged concert) at the Guangzhou Opera House. The performance marked the opening stop of the musical's 2026 China tour and its exclusive engagement in southern China.
The event is part of an expat club series organized by INFO Guangdong, a provincial all-in-one English information service platform. Prior to the event, INFO Guangdong launched an online ticket giveaway to recruit participants. In total, four expats had the chance to enjoy one of the most influential German-language musicals firsthand.
Participants of the event (Photo: Guo Hongda)
Based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the production is known for its powerful score, dramatic storytelling, and grand stage design. In its concert-style presentation, the focus is placed on the music and performances. For many audience members, it was their first time seeing a German-language musical live. Several attendees described the performance as emotionally engaging and visually striking, praising the cast's vocals and the immersive atmosphere.
Stage Photo of Elisabeth (Photo: Guangzhou Opera House)
Ryan Thornhill, an American drama teacher working at a school in Guangzhou, said he learned about the performance through INFO Guangdong's social media channels and chose it because it felt "unique and different" from other events. Although he did not understand the lyrics, Ryan said the performance left a strong impression. He described it as "one of the most incredible things" he had ever seen, praising the lighting, staging, set design and music.
Another audience member, Marlou Botha, described the show as "remarkable" and "breathtaking," pointing to the performers' attention to detail. She said the dedication shown in small movements and gestures—even those not immediately noticed by the audience—made the performance especially powerful. The event also marked her first visit to the Guangzhou Opera House, which she said left a strong impression from the moment she entered the theatre.
"We had such an amazing time. We love your giveaways and the opportunity to experience amazing culture in Guangzhou," Ryan said.
Posts from the INFO Guangdong audience about Elisabeth on social media.
Reporter | Li Muzi
Script | Li Muzi, Rong Miu Tung (Intern)
Videographer | Guo Hongda
Video Editor | Guo Hongda
Poster | Guo Hongda
Editor | Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
