(Clearwisdom.net) New Tang Dynasty's Holiday Wonders premiered at the Beacon Theatre on Broadway in New York on the evening of December 18, 2007. At the same time, a performance in Baltimore was also staged. The show received rave reviews from the audience.
This performance was a combination of classic Eastern and Western cultures. Its graceful Chinese classical dances, pure and magnificent music, resounding singing and splendid animated stage backgrounds interpreted the divinely-inspired culture of pure truthfulness, compassion and beauty. The boundless and compassionate energy that radiated from the performance touched the audience members deeply.
Performers wave to the audience at the end of the first Holiday Wonders show at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on December 18
A view of the audience
Audience members engrossed in the performance
Audience members watch the show intently
Four members of the Paul Levy family attended the show together. Paul said that the audience's enthusiasm overcame the cold temperatures in New York this year. They felt the warmth as soon as they arrived.
Five members of the Sam Hamsen family, a businessman from New Jersey, joyously watched the show
The audience was moved by the dance, "The Power of Awareness"
In the dance "The Power of Awareness," Chinese police publicly assault a mother and child who practice Falun Gong. But onlookers, having just learned about the practice from the couple, feel compelled to step in. Empowered by their newfound awareness, they step in to stop the abuse in a remarkable show of humanity.
Broadway actor Thomas Keating said that the hosts of the show were very special. They introduced each performance in a humorous manner, so that the audience could have a pause between performances. He said that this made the entire show unique.
Mr. Keating said that the piece "The Power of Awareness" impressed him the most. He felt that the performers' presentation was very convincing. It was the first time that he heard about the persecution of Falun Gong, and he said he was moved to tears. As an actor, he noticed the dancers' expression and control.
Shi Xiaoling, a university student majoring in design at Utah State University, said that the show was beautiful. What moved her the most was the dance, "The Power of Awareness." She said it was very touching. Upon seeing a performance in which people are awakened and stand up to stop the persecution, she was brought to tears. She felt that it was most moving to see people step forward to support what is right and refuse the evil.
Ms. Bi Shuying, originally from Northeast China and now a restaurant owner in New York, saw the Divine Performing Arts show for the first time. She said she was moved by the dance, "The Power of Awareness." She knew that Falun Gong has been subjected to brutal persecution in China, and she believes that it's good that Falun Gong teaches people to follow the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Ms. Bi said the show was wonderful and that she would come to see it again.Chinese classical dance showcases inner connotations of different nationalities
Chinese dance has gone through many dynasties, and over time it has developed its unique charm and techniques. The Xinjiang, Korean, and Mongolian dances in the show are a collection of the essence of dance of different ethnicities within China. Xinjiang is an interchange of the four ancient civilizations of Greece, Persia, India and China. The history of the civilization of the Western regions in the Tang Dynasty endowed Xinjiang dance with enthusiasm, grace and passion. The beautiful costumes, against the splendid scenery of Tianshan Mountain, offered the audience members a refreshing experience.
Western classical musicians deliver pure and beautiful performances
The Hester String Quartet's performance was harmonious and smooth, light and agile. The notes were like walking on stairs to deliver sincere and warm wishes for the holiday season. The world-renowned Empire Brass quintet brought messages of joyous celebration for this most festive season of the Western world.
New York officials convey congratulations and best wishes for a successful show
Fourteen government officials, including New York Congressmen and Congresswomen, New York State Senators and Congressmen, and New York City Councilors, sent proclamations and congratulatory letters to NTDTV and Divine Performing Arts on the occasion of the Holiday Wonders show.
They wished a resounding success for Divine Performing Arts' Holiday Wonders show and applauded the arrival of the performances and their exquisite presentation. Many expressed their respect for the artists' dedication to sharing, preserving, and promoting traditional Chinese culture for the benefit of all.
Information about Holiday Wonders
New York's Holiday Wonders will run from Tuesday, December 18 through Wednesday, December 26 at the Beacon Theatre for ten consecutive shows. After that, Divine Performing Arts of New York, and the Divine Performing Arts Touring Company will travel to over 60 cities around the world in response to enthusiastic demand. According to the information released by Divine Performing Arts, the audience is estimated to be over 650,000.
The Holiday Wonders shows are held at the Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, between 74th and 75th streets. Tickets range from $48 to $200.
NTDTV's Chinese New Year Spectacular will be presented on January 30 and run through February 9, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY. Tickets begin at $58.
Ticket hotline: (212) 695-7469. For more information, please visit holidaywonders.net and chinesesplendor.com.
