Plays to showcase financial scandals, passion and family

Shanghai Grand Theater will present three productions by Beijing's Magnificent Culture in the coming five months.

Ponzi, the first of three productions that will start its run on July 10, is the Chinese adaptation of French musical Le Systeme de Ponzi.

Written and directed by David Lescot, Le Systeme de Ponzi tells the life story of Charles Ponzi, an Italian swindler who scammed thousands of people in the United States and Canada. The musical also presents a humorous and satirical view of the economic ups and downs in Europe and the US through the decades. When the musical premiered in France in 2012, it featured just eight actors portraying more than 100 different characters.

Zhang Liang, lead actor in Ponzi, says the quick rhythm, colorful music and rich stage props of the production reflect international contemporary theater.

"I was surprised and honored when Wang Keran invited me to star in Ponzi," said Zhang at a news conference introducing the upcoming Magnificent Culture theater series.

"I enjoy the interaction with the audience very much in live theater. Stage performances have been challenging, stimulating and greatly satisfying. For many years to come, I will make live theater performances the focus of my career."