"I liked everything about the show," proclaimed Jibril Naiim, a market researcher from Homewood, Illinois. "It was fantastic! The colors of the costumes were excellent and all the dances were so well coordinated. I also learned so much about Chinese culture and its dynasties."
Last but by no means least; Chicago marked the final stop in North America for the 2007 Chinese New Year Spectacular Global Gala. Theater-goers, a mix of both Chinese and Western faces, filled the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University on Saturday evening to witness a performance that has become a global celebration for this festive time of year. But the evening was also a opportunity to mark a local milestone as well.
"Do you know whose birthday it is?" asked the show's emcees, who introduced each segment with lighthearted humor and informative asides. "It's Chicago's 170th birthday."
The Auditorium Theater itself also told of Chicago's history—a national landmark designed in 1889 by renowned architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler. But it was the performance inside that transported the audience even further back in time to China's illustrious Tang Dynasty— a cultural legacy of beauty and grandeur that has seen no equal.
"It was nice to get in touch with and understand the traditional Chinese culture," said Changping Kreutzig, a student who was born in the U.S.
As the program states: China is the only country that can boast 5000 years of history and folklore that still survive to this day. And based on the overwhelming audience response, the myths and legends of this ancient culture still resonate deeply in the human heart.
"I'm glad that this culture is being preserved," said Bob from Oaklawn, Illinois. "I liked the ideas of respect and honor for the elderly and how it came through the music."
This is the second year that Chicago has been a part of the Chinese New Year Global Gala and by many accounts, 2007 was an even more phenomenal experience.
"I came out last year to see it, when it was at the Arie Crown, and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to come again," said Emron Walwyn who hails from Chicago's far north side. Walwyn was noting the differences from last year's show, and one particular segment added to this year's performance really had an impact on him.
"I really liked the [portion about] Falun Dafa," said Walwyn, referring to a segment in the production portraying a Falun Dafa practitioner who is persecuted for her beliefs. "I know it's a very spiritual book, but I had no idea of the social impact that it has in China. This brings out what's happening there for other people to see."
While many moments portrayed Chinese legends and cultural ideals, others simply offered sensual beauty from the Chinese aesthetic.
"The erhu was extraordinary," said investor, Nick Agliata Jr. referring to the two-stringed Chinese fiddle performed by the award winning Xiaochun Qi. "It is amazing how much sound can come from two strings. And the bowl dance was incredible. I just really can't believe those bowls were not strapped on their heads. They must have practiced a lot."
"The music and dancing are unlike anything that I am used to seeing—it was beautiful," said Dr. Raja Khuri.
Dan Kanosak and Sandra Olson from Northbrook, Illinois saw the flyer for the Spectacular at another Chinese performing arts production in town and were glad they found it.
"I'm going to recommend it to all my Chinese friends," said Kanosak.
While Chicago closed out the North American tour, this traveling ensemble is due to carry their message of hope and traditional beauty to the Far East and Australia.
The Epoch Times is proud to join with New Tang Dynasty TV and Sound of Hope Radio in co-sponsoring NTDTV's Chinese New Year Spectacular ( http://shows.ntdtv.com. )
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