From the Rock Mozart Controversy to the Upgrading of the Chinese Musical Theatre Industry: Forms, Dissemination Logic, and Social Impact of Multicultural Arts

Abstract

This paper examines the reception and impact of Mozart, l'Opéra Rock in China to explore the development and upgrading of the Chinese musical theatre industry. As one of the most commercially successful imported musical productions in recent years, the show has significantly reshaped audience expectations and performance norms within the domestic market. The musical's popularity illustrates how imported productions, through distinctive musical styles, innovative stage aesthetics, and fan-based communication strategies, can expand audience engagement and introduce new performance conventions. Simultaneously, controversies surrounding audience etiquette, fan behavior, and the cultural limits of imported artistic forms reveal structural challenges within China's musical theatre ecosystem, including immature audience cultivation mechanisms, insufficient theatre management practices, and limited domestic creative capacity. Drawing on case analysis, textual analysis, and longitudinal industry observation, this study investigates four interconnected dimensions: artistic expression, audience reception, dissemination mechanisms, and social influence. The findings suggest that Chinese musical theatre must move beyond mere imitation by leveraging local cultural resources to develop original narratives, integrating diverse musical and stage styles, and cultivating professional production systems. Moreover, effectively managing fan engagement, establishing clear theatre etiquette norms, and promoting cross-cultural and educational functions can substantially enhance both artistic and social value. Ultimately, this paper argues that a sustainable industry requires harmonizing imported influences with domestic creativity, systematic audience cultivation, and meaningful social impact, enabling Chinese musicals to transition from market-driven popularity toward culturally and artistically robust productions.