Although we said goodbye to 2007, and our memories of hissing fireworks that lit up the night skies are fading, the New Year celebration is yet to begin again, but this time in sync with the Chinese Lunar Calendar!
To kick off the celebration of the Chinese New Year葉he year of the rat葉he all-new, internationally-acclaimed Chinese New Year Spectacular show will arrive in San Francisco in just two weeks, running from Jan. 23-26.
This year the show organizers promise to dazzle the theatergoers with a multimillion-dollar extravaganza at San Francisco's historic Orpheum Theatre.
The theme of the Spectacular is based on ancient heroic myths and legends from the Chinese Qing, Ming, and Tang dynasties, incorporating modern tales. The Spectacular's mission, according to event organizers is to charm audiences by transporting them back in time on a fast-paced exploration of the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
But show organizers also say that the Chinese Spectacular's mission is not only to entertain, but to also provoke thinking.
"We are going back to our roots and tradition, part of which was lost during the Cultural Revolution," says Lisa Wendl, an event organizer. "Through dance and music we'll show genuine Chinese traditional culture that encompasses pure truthfulness, pure compassion, and pure beauty."
Performed by Divine Performing Arts預 celebrated assembly of acclaimed dancers, singers, and musicians葉he family-oriented production will be arriving with an international cast of more than 70 dancers, vocalists, and musicians; an elaborate musical score; state-of-the-art digital projections; and stunning costumes.
The show was ranked No. 7 on Billboard Magazine's top 10 shows in 2006, and it has been acclaimed by press and audiences worldwide. Last year, the show won the hearts of theatergoers at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House.
"It's truly spectacular," said Ken Bukowski of Emeryville who saw last year's show in San Francisco. "I've been to many shows, but this is truly refreshing," added Bukowski. "I loved the music. I loved the Erhu. I loved the dance. I loved the drums. I just loved it."
According to choreographer Vina Lee, dancers were trained in ballet and Chinese classical dance. They went through a rigorous audition process and extensive rehearsing and will interpret music played by a live orchestra while wearing elaborate traditional handmade costumes valued at more than $300,000.
The Chinese New Year Spectacular will travel to more than 70 major cities around the world, visiting four continents, and playing to an estimated 650,000 live attendees.
Described as the largest Chinese cultural event, the Chinese New Year Spectacular is sponsored by New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV), an independent, non-profit Chinese language TV broadcaster established by overseas Chinese. The network has gained an international reputation for entertaining programs that bring together the finest in both Eastern and Western cultures.
The production was recently seen at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. Here in California, after stops in San Diego and Los Angeles, the show will arrive in San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre for seven shows only!
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To witness the renaissance of the Chinese culture:
Location:
San Francisco Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 512-7770
Take BART to the Show. Theatre is next to the Civic Center BART Station.
Show Schedule:
- January 23, Wednesday: 2pm & 8pm
- January 24, Thursday: 8pm
- January 25, Friday: 2pm & 8pm
- January 26, Saturday: 2pm & 8pm
For ticket purchasing and additional information please visit:
- Buy tickets: ticket.ntdtv.com/sf/
- Orpheum Theatre: www.shnsf.com
- Divine Performing Arts: www.divineperformingarts.com
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