CHICAGO-Top performers graced Chicago's Arie Crown Theatre Saturday afternoon for the Divine Performing Arts Company production "Chinese New Year Spectacular."
Young and old gained appreciation for authentic Chinese arts and culture as top-notch singers, dancers, and musicians enlightened Chicago with a fluid combination of 5,000-year-old Chinese traditions, modern Western orchestral compositions, and high-tech computer-generated backdrops.
Jackson Hui, an undergraduate pharmacy student from Indianapolis was less than enthusiastic when his parents suggested that they attend the Spectacular together, but he soon changed his mind.
"The drums were visually and audibly stunning," said Hui. "I really appreciate the technique and art behind [the performance]." Jackson said that seeing the show encouraged him to keep eyes open to other cultural activities.
Army seargeant Elizabeth Perez and conversation analyst Mercedes Tucker were friends who came to the show together.
"It was awesome, great," said Tucker.
Perez was struck by the spirituality of Chinese culture. "It makes you feel good. Monks, Buddhism, meditation gives you a sense of trying to find yourself," she explained, adding that learning about other cultures "helps you grow as a person."
"I've never seen anything like it," Tucker added.
"I am learning Chinese right now," said college student Anastasia Terskiova, who came to the show because she wanted to learn more about Chinese culture.
"It is overwhelmingly far from here." A native Russian and U.S. resident for less than three years, Terskiova has considered specializing in linguistics. "The performance was great. The movements are so elegant — how the ladies move is so gentle."
The Chinese New Year Spectacular will continue to inspire audience members as it continues its global tour. On Wednesday, Divine Performing Arts will begin a special 11-day run of the Chinese New Year Splendor at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York.
By the end of its tour, the Divine Performing Arts shows will have played to a live audience of 650,000 in over 60 cities and 14 countries.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Divine Performing Arts performances. For dates and times of their world tour visit: http://www.divineperformingarts.com/sy/ticket_info.
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