An outing in Chicago presents numerous opportunities and locations. On a brisk Chicago afternoon, however, Bill Buhler and his family chose not to explore the Sears Tower or Navy Pier; instead, they found themselves part of an excited audience at the Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place taking in the 2008 Chinese New Year Spectacular.
Having traveled all the way from Racine, Wisconsin, Buhler and his family were amazed by the show. Through the Spectacular, the New York-based Divine Performing Arts company has been presenting traditional Chinese song and dance to audiences around the world since 2004.
Buhler said he especially enjoyed the stories that each act presented to the audience and how the "traditions, the meanings of the music, and everything comes together.
"That's an expression of the Chinese people that goes back to thousands of years of refinement. So that expression, which has been refined and distilled for over thousands of years, must be a reflection of something consistent in Chinese people. It is something very beautiful."
"I liked the lady singing with the piano," he added, referring to alto singer Jiansheng Yang's performance of "For Whom."
Even as an American, Buhler found that he could relate to and find connections with the show. He also appreciated the work and commitment the performers put into the shows.
"The performers come out and give their best. I really respect that."
Buhler's twelve-year-old niece, Grace, originally from China, said, "I liked the drummers."
The Divine Performing Arts will be making its way to New York next, where they will stage the Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall to ring in the Chinese New Year.
In all, on its world tour the Divine Performing Arts will stage 220 shows in over 60 cities and 14 countries, reaching a total live audience of about 650,000.
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.
Feeds