Shen Yun Performing Arts group kicked off its stay at New York’s Lincoln Center last night with a sold-out show.
“I loved it. I thought it was charming,” said Lynne Charnay. “And everyone was so beautifully graceful. I grew up being a ballet dancer first, before I became a Broadway actress. So it all spoke to me.”
Mrs. Charnay is a veteran actress who has been active on Broadway for more than 70 years. As a performer herself, she praises Shen Yun’s artistic expression.
“I enjoyed it. It was visually wonderful. They are all so beautiful and graceful. And the setting is wonderful. The scenery, the costumes, all of the production is a visual splendor,” Mrs. Charnay added.
Mrs. Charnay saw Shen Yun together with her son and daughter-in-law who both work in the entertainment industry.
“It’s life-changing,” said Susan Fiore, who is an assistant director.
“Extraordinary talented artist, some brilliant, brilliant stage work,” said Tony Mark.
Mr. Mark, an Oscar-winning film producer, shared his appreciation of the performance.
“I love Shen Yun,” he said. “I’m so happy that this culture exists here and that someone was able to take Chinese culture outside of politics, but to actually take the old Chinese culture that dates back and put it in front of an American audience.”
“Because it’s, it’s so rich, and it’s so beautiful. And I think it means a lot. I think it means a lot to the performers to be able to express themselves this way. And it means a lot for the audience to be able to experience something like this.”
Audience members said they felt a spiritual connection to the performance.
“All of the performers, the musicians … They just embodied that divine concept,” said Mrs. Fiore.
“I feel like I’m in paradise,” said Rezarta Tabaku, director of global ops and tech at an investment bank. “It takes you someplace else. I love the dance, and I love all the colors.”
“It is more like a spiritual dance than anything else,” she added. “It’s like they’re flowing, and it’s like they’re always looking out. It’s like, they’re always looking up to paradise or something even more powerful than themselves, right? So it’s, it’s exhilarating. I love it.”
“Well done, artistic director. Well done, musical director. Well done, performers. And thank you very much for bringing Shen Yun to New York,” said Mr. Mark.
“Congratulations, and thank you for giving us such a beautiful performance,” said Mrs. Charnay.
Shen Yun will be performing at the Lincoln Center in New York until April 16.
NTD News, New York
