New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts lit up Chicago and captivated audiences with a display of traditional culture, dance, and music. The company took the stage for three consecutive sold-out performances at the Harris Theater on April 13 and April 14.
Rich Gamble, CEO of Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The show was amazing.” For the past five or six years, Gamble and his daughter Lily have made it a tradition to attend Shen Yun annually. He remarked, “I come every year with my daughter, Lily. And we have a fantastic time. And it’s a wonderful sharing of the Chinese culture, history, different forms of art, that from Opera to symphonic music, traditional music, dance. It’s just amazing.”
William Marsh, Business Owner of ChromeLLC, American Bar Products, and East Chicago Rail Terminal, echoed Mr. Gamble’s sentiment, expressing his family’s love for the show, “We love the show. The dance was amazing; the colors were beautiful. The music was fantastic. And I thought the singers were really good.”
Chicago-based composer Kestutis Kc Daugirdas was effusive in his praise for Shen Yun’s music, remarking, “The music is exciting. Yeah, it’s exciting. I love how it changes. There’s a lot of changes of mood and tempo. And that makes the show exciting.”
Shen Yun’s story-based dances took spectators on a captivating journey spanning 5,000 years.
Mr. Gamble emphasized the universal appeal of Shen Yun’s stories, stating, “The stories are what connect you to the people in a culture where sometimes we think we’re very different people. But we really have the same hopes and dreams.”
Mr. Marsh found the artistic expression profoundly moving, remarking, “It was touching, and I think it actually is something that people from the West and the East and all around the world can relate to.”
The spiritual essence of ancient China also struck a chord with many in the audience.
Mr. Gamble reflected on the resonance of these themes, saying, “If you believe in a higher power and a Creator, and you believe in good and evil, and you see that happen on any kind of basis. It’s something that you can understand and relate to.”
Charlotte Dennison, growth intelligence manager at Publicis Groupe, emphasized the transformative impact of Shen Yun’s performance on one’s outlook, “It gives you a perspective on life. And you kind of get a breath of fresh air. So, I would say go ahead and see it. You’ll walk away being happy, pep in your step. You’ll be good and have a little bit more faith in humanity.”
NTD News, Chicago, Illinois
