Chinese musical “Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing,” adapted from a 1983 movie of the same name, will be premiered at Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center on May 5.

The musical centers around the lives of Mei and her stepfather Qiang who supports them by collecting garbage. When Mei grows up, she leaves him to enter the show business and her departure leaves Qiang in a state of depression, as she meant the entire world to him. Fame has gotten the best of the girl, who later shuns her father.

The musical was directed and choreographed by Joey McKneely who made his Broadway debut as choreographer in “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.” He also choreographed Cy Coleman’s “The Life With Michael Blakemore.” He directed “West Side Story” based on the original choreography of Jerome Robbins at the La Scala Opera House in Milan. Other theater work includes “Twelfth Night” at the Lincoln Center, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Whistle Down the Wind,” “The Green Heart” for the Manhattan Theater Club, as well as “Lucky Guy,” “A Wonderful Life,” “Time of Your Life” and “Juno.”

Movie “Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing” was released eight times in Taiwan and 11 times in Hong Kong and won four Golden Horse Awards. It was adapted into a 22-episode TV series on the mainland in 2005.

Time: May 5-7, 10-12, 8 p.m.; May 6-7, 13-14 also at 3 p.m.

Tickets: 99-299 yuan

Booking: 400-185-8666

Venue: Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center, 2106 Nanshan Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区南山大道2106号南山文体中心)

Metro: Line 1, Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B