Showtime!

Source:Global Times Published: 2014-1-20 20:23:01

(From left to right) Ren Luyu, Dong Qing, Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Zhang Zequn and Ouyang Xiadan host the 2010 Spring Festival Gala on CCTV on February 13, 2010. Photo: IC



With two weeks left before the lunar new year's holiday, news stories and discussions about the China Central Television (CCTV) 2014 Spring Festival Gala, or chunwan, continue to generate excitement and controversy online.

Film director Feng Xiaogang has taken the reins of directing the gala for the first time, and is hoping to breath fresh life into the show that debuted in 1983.

Comedian Zhao Benshan, the most popular performer in recent galas, has come on board as the assistant director. 

French theme



According to xinhua.net, the annual gala had its first dress rehearsal in front of cameras over the weekend, in preparation for its big night on January 30.  

The year of the horse gala slogan is "Welcome the spring with happiness and harmony, and wish all Chinese dreams come true."

Putting its focus on the key words "Chinese dreams," the show plans to draw all kinds of elements from traditional Chinese culture, with more folk performances and traditional operas.

One hot topic for the 2014 chunwan is the participation of South Korean actor Lee Min-ho.

Lee, famous for South Korean television series including City Hunter (2011) and The Inheritors (2013), has a large fan base in China. Lee will be singing a Chinese song "Can't Help Loving You" with the song's original singer Harlem Yu from Taiwan.

As 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France, many are hoping to see French celebrities appear during the gala. Several media have reported that the actress Sophie Marceau has been invited to perform with the singer and musician Liu Huan.

Though the information has not been confirmed by organizers, Liu has cooperated with international stars like Sarah Brightman in recent years.

To some surprise and much disappointment the rock singer Cui Jian will not be performing at this year's show.

Cui's manager You You informed the star's fans on Sina Weibo on Saturday about Cui's withdrawal from the gala, ending speculations about which of his hit songs he would perform.

Song Dandan, the most popular actress in recent gala shows due to her appearances alongside Zhao Benshan, said at a press conference on Saturday that she would also not be involved this year.

Song said, "I hope they (Feng and Zhao) create some surprises and offer the audience something fresh.

"However, the spring gala is a difficult project and it is tough for them."

Slimmed-down gala



Unlike previous years when a massive LED screen was an important part of the show, the stage design this year is simpler.

This corresponds to requirements made last August by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and several other government sectors, which aims to cut spending on galas. Other government sponsored Spring Festival shows such as those staged by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Public Security have been banned this year.

Watching the CCTV variety show at lunar new year's eve used to be one of the most important family events of the year, and many musicians and actors saw performing at the gala as an honor and a stepping stone to fame.

That has changed over recent years, with enjoyment of the gala replaced by criticism of the show on social media.

"Many people don't understand why I took this challenge," Feng said in an interview with China Weekly.

"I know whatever I do will generate negative reviews but I'm ready for that.

"I'm not doing this for fame or fortune. I've got those already. This is volunteering. I'm honored and I will try my best."

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