The Chinese version of classic musical "Mamma Mia!" received a warm welcome in Shanghai. The cast returned for five curtain calls on opening night. It looks like the enthusiasm of those who love musicals is on the rise.

A scene from Mamma Mia

The much-anticipated stage production is dubbed "the first blockbuster contemporary musical that has been presented in Chinese." Translated from London's West End English version, the Mandarin version maintains the original flavor of the stage musical. More than 20 songs of the 1970's disco-era pop group from Sweden, ABBA, have been reinterpreted for the Chinese show.

The drama integrates Chinese elements with the Greek island style over the two-and-a-half hour performance. It also combines the musical's original jokes with young people's popular vernacular as well as Chinese dialects.

Observers say that the Chinese libretto matches the songs well and that the actors gave passionate performances. Audience members from western countries also said the show lives up to professional musical standards.

"Singing, dancing and performing at the same time is hard work, I have to do my best on all sides. Performing a musical is not just singing some songs in front of everyone, sometimes I just say the lyrics out loud, like performing a monologue with others. "

The Mandarin "Mamma Mia" is the 14th language version of the hit musical, which is currently in its 13th year on London's West End. It will also celebrate its 10th anniversary on Broadway this year.

The first season will run until the end of November. After the Shanghai run, the Mandarin version will travel to major cities in the Chinese mainland including Beijing and Guangzhou. A subsequent 2012 jaunt will include Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Singapore.