CHICAGO—On a cold January afternoon, 20 people traveled from Wisconsin to Illinois to enjoy the Chinese New Year Spectacular at Chicago's Arie Crown Theater on Saturday night.
The enthusiastic group journeyed together in a van eager to see authentic Chinese culture. Most had never experienced anything Chinese but were broad-minded about what they would see. They shared their thoughts before the show.
Lucy Buchholz, a teacher, and her husband Ken, an engineer, decided to make the trip since they visited Chinatown last year for the Chinese New Year. Lucy explained, "We have a deep reverence for Chinese culture and we thought it would be fun."
Ken said, "Chinese culture is very interesting to me."
Anne Asher writes articles about treating back and neck pain and has used Oriental treatment methods such as acupuncture, TaiChi, qigong, and yoga and has thought about trying aikido. Asian traditions are one of her many interests. Asher is also a lay-Buddhist.
Although she doesn't usually celebrate Chinese New Year, she found herself celebrating it with two different groups. She decided to see the show because, for the last six months, she's moved, has been doing some travel, has been sick, and just wanted to get out and relax.
Another member of the group, Kay Wozniak, who works as an educational coordinator at a children's hospital, said, "I feel I had to come to see the show and just be there. I am getting goose bumps in anticipation."
Virginia Redlind, retired, just wanted to have some fun. She explained, "I am looking forward to the artistic expressions and keeping an open mind so I can enjoy it."
Five-year-old Hari Hass looked forward to a good time. "I told my parents that I wanted to come and see the show again as I came last year. I had seen the poster and really wanted to come. My favorite part is the drumming!"
Francie Gollin, works as an administrator at AT&T, found out through a friend about the show and looked forward to something new.
Dennis and Linda Counard learned about the show at a store in Milwaukee and decided: "Let's go see this." Dennis remembers his Chinese neighbor racing rickshaws on his block and likes Chinese hats.
During the intermission, the group had more to say. Did the show meet their expectations?
Anne Asher: "The bowl dancing and long flowing white sleeves were awesome!"
Kay Wozniak is already planning ahead. "Graceful, wonderful. I will come again next year. Really amazing! I will come next year for sure."
Dennis Counard appreciated the artistic aspects. "This show makes the performing arts look great! The background drop was wow!"
Linda Counard said, "The blend of western and Chinese music exceeded my expectations and the costumes are so detailed."
Virginia Redlind is also planning to return. "I was amazed at the poses the dancers could do and hold for so long! I would definitely come next year!"
Young Hari Hass thought it just keeps getting better. "I like it better than last year and the drumming was better too!"
Francie Gollin, "Very colorful. I learned about real Chinese culture like the beauty of fans. Background drops are phenomenal! I would come again absolutely!"
Sherry Wen, a Chinese restaurant owner, said, "I used to live in China and yet never saw anything so wonderful. I am really excited, very excited! I got goose bumps when I saw this very famous singer Guan [internationally known tenor Guan Guimin]. So special!!!
"I am so happy I took off from work to come from Wisconsin. I feel like I want to cry. The persecution part made me very sad that this is going on in China. I will come to see the show again for sure!"
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Divine Performing Arts performances. For about their world tour visit: http://www.divineperformingarts.com
Feeds