John Owen-Jones, the actor who performed as the "Phantom" in "The Phantom of the Opera" over 2,000 times and the youngest "Jean Valjean" in "Les Misérables," has left an indelible mark on musical theater. The Welsh actor and singer recently returned to China after four years, embarking on a four-city, six-concert tour.
"I'm delighted to be back because it's one of my favorite places," said Owen-Jones during an interview with CGTN. "[China] has such an incredible history. I would encourage more Westerners to come here and see the incredible rich tapestry of life here."
John Owen-Jones (R) and Pan Hangwei (L) perform on stage in Beijing, China. /Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center
The 'Phantom' with a Chinese twist
A standout feature of the musical theater actor's tour is his rendition of the song "The Phantom of the Opera" using Chinese folk instruments.
"Good music should sound good with any instrument," said Owen-Jones, who has just completed his performances at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing. "I've recorded this version of 'The Phantom of the Opera' using Chinese folk instruments, but I've westernized it a bit to make it palatable to Western audiences."
Owen-Jones also invited Pan Hangwei, who played "Christine Daaé" in the Chinese version of "The Phantom of the Opera" last year, to join him in several concerts. Although he considered singing in Mandarin, he joked about avoiding potential embarrassment, while hinting that he might attempt it one day.
John Owen-Jones performs on stage in Beijing, China. /Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center
Introducing Western musicals to China
Many Chinese audiences first discovered musicals like "Les Misérables" and "The Phantom of the Opera" through Owen-Jones' performance videos online. As a key figure in introducing Western musicals to China, he feels privileged.
"Everyone should be able to experience everything if they can. If they find joy in something, they should have access to it," he said. "If there's an audience out here, then we should come and perform and bring people joy."
Owen-Jones sees himself as both an entertainer and an educator, introducing audiences to new songs and musicals they might not have encountered before.
The 2,000-time 'Phantom'
Owen-Jones has played the "Phantom" over 2,000 times, more than any actor in the show's West End history. He cherishes the role, which he describes as a privilege and a responsibility.
To keep the role fresh, Owen-Jones relies on the inherent variability of live theater. Despite the familiar costumes, set and actors, each performance is slightly different. He focuses on the audience, particularly those seeing the show for the first time, striving to captivate them and make them want to return.
John Owen-Jones (L3) and Laurent Ban (L2) at the backstage of Owen-Jones' concert in Shanghai, China. /Shanghai Culture Square via John Owen-Jones Xiaohongshu account
Connecting through Chinese social media
Owen-Jones opened accounts on Chinese social media platforms before arriving in China and has been active in communicating with his fans.
"Whilst I'm here in China, I should do Chinese social media," he said. "And that's what I tried to do because it's a much more direct way of connecting with people."
The artist has been making friends online, including French musical actor and singer Laurent Ban, who has also been active on Chinese social media platforms.
"We've met very briefly before, but now we've connected again and we're talking about maybe doing something together," Owen-Jones shared. "I would only have met him through Chinese social media because fans have connected us."
The Welsh artist believes art is shared, and countries can learn from each other through art.
"Music is universal, and it doesn't matter what the language is or what your politics are or your religion. It can cross all those boundaries and they can connect with people," he said. "And I think we're doing that here in China."
Videographer: Qi Jianqiang
Video editor: Guo Meiping
Cover image: Jia Jieqiong