Philadelphia Officials Look Forward to Shen Yun’s Return

December 23, 2024

Shen Yun Performing Arts has started its 2025 world tour. Audience members in the Greater Philadelphia area are eagerly awaiting the return of the company and its all-new show.

According to local Shen Yun organizers, about 150,000 people have watched the performance in Philadelphia since 2007.

Local officials who have watched Shen Yun before are looking forward to its return.

“I remember that it told a very cultural and important story, and I think it’s something that everybody should experience at least once, especially as we are a diverse nation and a diverse Commonwealth,” said Pennsylvania state Rep. Regina Young. “I will do everything I possibly can to make sure that I go see it again. Absolutely.”

“If anybody hasn’t seen it yet, make the time to see the show. You’ll enjoy the cultural aspects of it, and you’ll enjoy the messaging of it, and you’ll feel really good after the show is over and completed,” said Philadelphia City Council member Mark Squilla. “And if you have seen the show once, come back and see it again, because there’s always changes to the show and to the performance, and you will love every second of it.”

To honor last season’s Shen Yun’s performance in 2024, Delaware state Rep. Lyndon Yearick presented Shen Yun with a certificate of recognition, commemorating the artists’ commitment to preserving China’s 5,000 years of rich, traditional culture.

“I would 110 percent recommend it,” Yearick said. “It’s great to hear it’s a different show each and every year, so that it’s not just one show, then you’ve seen it all, it’s a new performance … it’s a history lesson, each and every year. Under the principles of truth, and kindness, do the right thing, look out for your family. I’ll look forward to being here next year.”

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, which was almost lost when communism took over the country.

“I was saddened to hear that they don’t perform this in China. That was upsetting to me because it’s so beautiful, and it’s so cultural. It’s a shame that their own country isn’t allowing this to the public,” said Pennsylvania state Rep. Maria Donatucci.

Shen Yun’s performance last season in Philadelphia had fans booking their tickets up to six months in advance.

“I think I’ve been coming at least for 10 years. I never miss it. I always get the same two seats, in the first row,” said former Pennsylvania Human Relations Commissioner Examiner Joe Shannon. “Every time I come, it’s just the same thing, it’s just wonderful, I look forward to it every year. And as soon as the tickets come out, six months ago, I get them right away.”

“Beautiful, it’s inspiring. The costumes, the skill of the dancers, it’s second to none. I loved it. This is my seventh time, we’ve been coming for seven years now,” former Sheriff Tom Wilkins said. “I’ve told many of my friends to go see this. If they don’t like the show, I’ll pay for their ticket. I’ve never had to pay for a ticket.”

Shen Yun will start its performance in Pittsburgh on April 26 and Philadelphia on May 7.