Boston's Opera House, located in the heart of Boston near Chinatown and the downtown shopping district, is a good example of the city's historic classical architecture. Once you step past the threshold, you are enchanted by its ornate gilding, marble columns, and elaborate chandeliers hanging from high dome ceilings.
First built in the early 1900s on Huntington Avenue and then eventually demolished after falling into disrepair during the Great Depression and World War II, the Opera House moved to its current location on Washington Street and was later renovated and restored to recapture its original Renaissance-style grandeur. This classic setting is the perfect venue for the Divine Performing Arts production "Chinese New Year Spectacular," a gala celebration of China's true traditional arts from glorious dynasties of the past.
Over 100 invited guests arrived on Thursday, opening night, for a pre-show reception. Many notables, such as Mayor Thomas Koch of Quincy, Mayor David Cohen of Newton, Tom Ashbrook of WBUR radio, Chinese pro-democracy advocate Dr. Jianli Yang, Vice Consul Ginga Sewerin-Olsson from the Swedish Consulate and husband Olle A. Olssen, Consul Rony Yedidia and Director of Cultural Affairs Udi Urman from the Consulate General of Israel, and many others attended.
Mary Rogeness, a Massachusetts legislator, said she was in Taipei about this time last year. "So the Chinese aspect caught my attention and brought me down," she said. "You can see the excitement here tonight, and it makes me realize the multi-culture nature of the city."
French and Cambodian restaurant Elephant Walk, one of the event sponsors, supplied a grand display of exotic foods and desserts, and dishes from other local area restaurants gave guests a varied taste of Asian cuisine. Delicacies ranged from spring rolls, sushi, and Peking duck to custard and the classic French cake Gateau d'Amandes au Chocolat.
Australian art collector Tony Dai displayed his family's private collection of classical Chinese artwork including paintings from some of China's most famous masters—Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqain, and Fu Baoshi.
In 2003, Mr. Dai and his mother took their collection on tour around the world to revive and promote traditional Chinese culture. He talked about the significance of the "Chinese New Year Spectacular" tour and how it shows people the essence of traditional Chinese customs.
Guests attended the show after the reception and expressed their enthusiasm for the performance.
"The professional standard is very high," said Dr. Jianli Yang, president of the Foundation for China in the 21st Century. "The whole company and all the artists have done an outstanding job."
Sonia Chang-Diaz and Bryan Hirsch from Jamaica Plain in Boston, enjoyed the ethnic Mongolian bowl dance and also "the drums, the drums, and snow-white-capped mountains…" with dancers in long-sleeved dresses. "It was really a wonderful surprise," said Ms. Chang-Diaz. "I didn't know what to expect, and every piece was wonderful." Mr. Hirsch summed it up: "beautiful dancing, beautiful costumes, great music."
Nina Nova, from Human Resources at Stop & Shop, which is a sponsor of the "Spectacular" said it was "beautiful, very elegant, very breathtaking. So much praise, it's a wonderful, wonderful show. I recommend it to anyone, to everyone."
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.
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