Chongqing - On the evening of June 11, the Chinese original musical The Legend of 1900 held a fan meet-and-greet in Chongqing Grand Theatre, featuring lead actors Bai Jugang, Ma Tianlong, and Yang Haochen. The event offered audiences a rare glimpse into both the onstage and backstage experiences of the performers. In this run, Bai Jugang and Liu Lingfei alternate in portraying the titular character 1900, each bringing a unique style to the legendary shipboard pianist.

Cast of "The Legend of 1900" shares stories of music, freedom and the stage in Chongqing. (Photo by Chongqing Grand Theatre)

Adapted from the classic IP, The Legend of 1900 tells the story of a musical prodigy who spends his entire life aboard an ocean liner, exploring the world and expressing his inner world through piano. The production, backed by a top-tier international creative team, has undergone multiple iterations and is now in its 3.0 version. Its exquisite production and nuanced performances have won praise nationwide. During the meet-and-greet, the three leads shared personal insights into their characters, revealing stage challenges and the inner motivations of their roles, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

On the evening of June 11, the Chinese original musical The Legend of 1900 held a fan meet-and-greet in Chongqing. (Photo by Chongqing Grand Theatre)

Bai Jugang, portraying 1900, described a profound connection with the character. A devoted fan of the original film, he has watched it over ten times and collected its soundtrack on vinyl and CD. Initially, he had never imagined playing the role himself, given its iconic status and the immense challenges it presents. It was only as the stage, script, and musical framework took shape that he committed to embodying 1900. With over a hundred musical theatre performances to his credit, Bai aims to use this role to achieve a fresh artistic breakthrough. He described his connection to 1900 as a “wander between sea and land,” immersing himself in the character’s freedom and romanticism on stage, while returning to reality offstage. During the Chongqing event, he expressed delight at the local hospitality, enjoying a bowl of beef noodles before the session, and performed an impromptu musical number that deeply moved the audience.

Bai Jugang, portraying 1900 in "The Legend of 1900". (Photo by Chongqing Grand Theatre)

Ma Tianlong, who plays Morton, shared the pressures faced during the early rehearsals. As an actor without formal singing and dancing training, he confronted the challenge of performing large ensemble numbers. He interpreted Morton as outwardly arrogant but inwardly vulnerable, with his showpiece piano duel representing not only technical skill but also a dialogue between souls. Ma praised the production team for their professionalism, noting that the top-notch creative and musical support allowed him to fully commit to his performance.

Ma Tianlong, who plays Morton in "The Legend of 1900". (Photo by Chongqing Grand Theatre)

Yang Haochen, portraying the trumpeter Tim, recalled the rigorous audition process, which was assessed by the director, composer, and producers. Tim serves as a pivotal character, guiding the story and accompanying 1900 as a close friend. Yang explained that the challenge lies in balancing his role’s duality: encouraging 1900 to experience life on land while ultimately respecting his choice to remain on the ship. The musical’s storm scene, featuring a movable suspended piano, tests both physical stamina and stagecraft, adding excitement and difficulty to each performance.

Yang Haochen, portraying the trumpeter Tim in "The Legend of 1900". (Photo by Chongqing Grand Theatre)

With its international production standards, heartfelt performances, and profound thematic depth, The Legend of 1900 continues its tour across China. The legendary ship "Virginia" will officially set sail at Chongqing Grand Theatre on June 12 and 13. Bai Jugang concluded, "I hope The Legend of 1900 and 1900 himself can bring you an unprecedented sense of freedom and romance."