Last month, the renowned production House of Dancing Water made its highly anticipated return to City of Dreams Macau, unveiling a brand-new chapter that represents a milestone in the city’s broader efforts toward tourism integration. The grand premiere drew a global audience, bringing together government officials, celebrities, influencers, and international media for an exclusive first look at the reimagined show. A glamorous water-themed red carpet event set the tone for the evening, while a global livestream allowed viewers from around the world to experience the event in real time.
Distinguished guests attending the premiere included Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Mr. Tai Kin Ip, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR; Ms. Bai Bing, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Lin Ruhai, Director of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao SAR; Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment; Mr. Evan Winkler, Board Director and President of Melco Resorts & Entertainment; and Mr. Giuliano Peparini, Artistic Director of Peparini Studios. Their presence underscored the strong institutional support for cultural development and tourism in Macau, reaffirming the show’s role in enhancing the city’s status as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
The evening began with a striking red carpet appearance by an impressive roster of celebrities. Among those in attendance were Alex Fong, Bingbing Li, Carina Lau, Cecilia Cheung, Charlene Choi, Jeffrey Ngai, Karena Lam, Kelly Chen, Myolie Wu, Pakho Chau, Qi Shu, Rain (Jung Ji-Hoon), Shi Yu, Tao Liu, Yitian Hu, and Yuanyuan Tan. Their presence added a layer of glamour and excitement to the premiere.
The reimagined performance introduced audiences to a richly immersive experience defined by cohesive storytelling, visual innovation, and emotional depth. Set in a fantastical universe where love, courage, and destiny intertwine, the narrative guides viewers through a romantic and heroic journey. A newly introduced character, the Sailor, infuses the story with humor and charm, while imaginative new scenes such as the Magic Garden, Aquarium Cage, and Future City transport audiences into dreamlike realms. At the heart of the show is the poetic motif of the Heart of Water, anchoring the production in timeless emotion.
The technical execution behind the show remains as ambitious as ever. The centerpiece is a vast aquatic stage equivalent in size to more than five Olympic swimming pools, featuring dynamic lifts, water curtains, and other cutting-edge design elements. Innovations such as a human chandelier and laser grids merge technology with creative storytelling. Complemented by a refreshed musical score and 24 new costumes, the performance delivers a multi-sensory experience. A cast and crew of nearly 300 members from over 30 countries, including former Olympians, bring the production to life with remarkable precision and artistry. Enhanced theatre features, including superior seating and two VVIP boxes, ensure an elevated and intimate viewing experience.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho described the relaunch as a significant cultural contribution to Macau’s vision. “The new House of Dancing Water is more than a reimagined and recreated show; it is part of our ongoing effort to support the Macau SAR’s vision as a world center of tourism and leisure,” he said. “Through this spectacular experience, we are proud to showcase the creativity and potential of the city’s cultural tourism to the world.”
Artistic Director Giuliano Peparini also reflected on the creative journey behind the relaunch. “It has been an extraordinary journey to reimagine House of Dancing Water, a show that holds such a special place in the hearts of many,” he said. “This new chapter is not only a visual spectacle, but a heartfelt story of love and courage. I’m deeply grateful to our amazing team from over 30 countries, whose talent and dedication made this possible. My sincere thanks to Melco and Mr. Lawrence Ho for their vision and support.”
The evening concluded with a lively after-party, where Grammy Award-winning DJ and EDM artist Afrojack made a surprise appearance. His energetic set added another layer of celebration to the occasion, as guests reflected on the performance and enjoyed a night of music and entertainment.
House of Dancing Water has long stood as a cultural touchstone in Macau and a key attraction for international visitors. With its bold new chapter, the production continues to redefine the standards of live entertainment, blending fantasy, innovation, and world-class performance. The show officially opens to the public on May 9, inviting audiences to experience a reimagined spectacle that celebrates both artistic expression and Macau’s growing cultural landscape.
