The show that gave New Yorkers a taste of traditional Chinese culture is making its way down the east coast. Divine Performing Arts New York Company will present Holiday Wonders in Atlantic City, as the touring company travels to Ft. Lauderdale and St. Petersburg FL after successful runs in Baltimore, Charlotte and Greensboro NC.
Audience response confirmed its successful New York run. Families, couples, and people from all over were buzzing with excitement as they left the theater. Master cellist Christine Walewska attended the premiere. "The whole thing was absolutely magical—those gorgeous costumes, the exquisiteness of the dancing," raved Ms. Walewska.
The show drew many tourists who wanted something special during their visit to the Big Apple. Two ladies from southwest Texas, Loretta Kuccia and Kathleen Fuller, enthusiastically endorsed the show. "The dancers were so graceful, so different from what we usually see. The backdrops, the costumes, it was a very good experience. If we weren't leaving tomorrow, we would see it again."
For many, the drums owned the day. "The entertainment value of flashy percussion is well established, and there are two great examples here. 'Drummers of the Tang Court' combines martial precision and percussive power." says the writer of "J.B. Spins" blog.
Antoine Faisal, Editor-in-Chief of Aramica said he heard about the show in past years but this was the first he attended. "My first feeling is that of regret that I did not go last year. I never thought I would enjoy Chinese music as much as I did. This show is spectacular!" he said.
The Charlotte NC audience gave the performers a standing ovation at the final curtain. Lorena Barkley, a Charlotte-based financial analyst, singled out the "The Power of Awareness" as the most meaningful dance, because it conveyed the clear "message of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance."
Each performance drew a diverse audience. The Friday show at New York's Beacon Theater brought a group of Felician sisters from Lodi, N.J. Sister Fides said that she could feel the energy emanating from the performers, who were simply heavenly. "The colors and costumes were amazing," she said.
After a successful two-day run in Charlotte, the Divine Performing Arts Touring Company arrived in Greensboro, NC for its third visit in three years. Performers arrived at their hotel greeted by a group of cheering fans. Wonders made its Greensboro debut on Dec. 23. The show then continues to Florida.
Holiday Wonders presents China's traditional art forms in a modern setting. The performance integrates classical music, traditional dance, artistically animated backdrops, and intricate stage design to convey the essence of Chinese culture.
J.B. Spins says there is something for everyone: "As for the show itself, it truly is a multicultural event, showing respect for both Eastern and Western musical expression."
For those in the New York area who have not seen the show, Holiday Wonders comes to the Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Atlantic City December 28-30.
The Divine Performing Arts will hold holiday shows in 50 cities around the world this year with an estimated audience of 650,000. For dates and times visit www.bestchineseshows.com/en/buytickets.
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