By Li Jingfei and Zheng Haishan

Clearwisdom.net) On February 17, 2007, the 2007 Chinese New Year Eve, the New Tang Dynasty TV's (NTDTV) New Year Spectacular reached its peak as its seventh and final show opened to another full house. ?Before the first show of the Spectacular staged at the Radio City on February 14, New York City Mayor Bloomberg proclaimed the day as "NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular Show Day". ?During four days, approximately 28,000 people braved frigid cold and snow to see the Spectacular.

"Creation": In the opening scene, heavenly beings gather. Looking down at our world, a Buddha conveys that he will go to earth and bring goodness to humankind, inviting the others to join him. He then appears in the Tang Dynasty as an emperor. Many consider the Tang dynasty Chinese history's golden age, and believe its culture was divinely inspired.

The nearly 6,000-seat Radio City Music Hall is almost full

Audience absorbed by the performances

In the most luxurious indoor theater of the world capital of culture and arts, the Chinese New Year Spectacular presented a variety of grand dances, vocal and instrument solos with a live band, the Tianyin Orchestra. In addition, the Show featured unique world-class backdrop design using a high-end full-size LCD screen. With a perfect marriage between arts and modern technology, the Show presented a collection of world-class programs with purity, compassion and beauty, creating a sensation at the Broadway and eliciting overwhelming enthusiastic comments from the audience.

The Spectacular not only caught the attention of main stream society and media, but also was recognized as a grand New Year event for overseas Chinese. The four-day run attracted people of all ages, from babies of several months old to seniors in their nineties. Even for many senior overseas Chinese who have lived in the U.S. decades, it was their first time to watch a Chinese show with authentic Chinese culture. The Show portrayed the essence of the traditional Chinese culture, revealed many touching truth, and lighted the beginning of a new page for human civilization.

Divinely-Imparted Culture

The show began with a grand dance, "Creation." In the opening scene, heavenly beings gather. Looking down at our world, a Buddha conveys that he will go to earth and bring goodness to humankind, inviting the others to join him. He then appears in the Tang Dynasty as an emperor. Many consider the Tang dynasty Chinese history's golden age, and believe its culture was divinely inspired.

Choreographer and Lead Dancer Vina Lee said: "The traditional Chinese culture was imparted by heavenly beings, and the Tang Dynasty culture is the most representative Chinese culture with highest achievement. The show reproduces many precious historical facts which can inspire the audience to ponder: Where do human beings come from and where does human culture come from? They may find the answers from the Show."

The Dance "A Dunhuang Dream' portrayed how a sculptor got inspiration from Gods in a dream because of his pure heart and piety and then crafted thousands of lively Buddha statues in the Dunhuang Caves.

Ms. Wang of New York once visited the Yungang Caves in Datong, Shanxi Province. She said she was amazed by the magnificent traditional culture and at the same time was wondering why ancient people can have such wisdom to craft so many lively Buddha statues. "After seeing this program, I now understand how the statues were crafted and have a new understanding on why China is known as "The Divine Land."

While the legendary Chinese heroine Mulan became well known in the West through Walt Disney's feature animation in 1998, her popularity in China reaches back centuries. Her celebrity status owes much to the "Ballad of Mulan," which dates from China' s Northern Wei dynasty (386- 34 C.E.). Mulan is said to have disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the army in place of her elderly father. Only after she returned from triumphant battle was her true identity discovered. She was honored for her bravery.

Harmony Among Heaven, Earth and Human

The dancing programs presented the authentic Chinese culture which emphasizes harmony among Heaven, Earth and human beings:

"Forsythia in Spring" portrayed the blooming forsythia with frolicking movements and bright costumes that express feelings of hope and renewal. The melody and use of handkerchiefs for dance are distinctive toChina's northeastern region.

"Ladies of the Manchu Court" presented an imperial dance. They are accompanied by royal Manchu-style music as they move gently in raised shoes. Manchu women were known for their elegance, refinement, and virtuous demeanor.

"Rainbows" features colorful ribbons in motion, accompanied by the tune of the northeastern Chinese folksong "A Night with a Crescent Moon."

...

Authentic Chinese Culture without the Influence of the Communist Culture

One person who attended the show was a Ph.D. student in East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University, named Matt. Speaking in fluent Chinese, he said: "Chinese culture proper has nothing to do with that of the communists. The NTDTV programs tonight were really something -- just incredible. I would dare say we're witnessing nothing short of a renewal of Chinese culture... A show like this is really something precious."

Matt felt that the show conveyed a message to its viewers, "that life is to be cherished, and that questions of meaning, such as why are here and what are we to become, are important to reflect on."

He said: "I really feel rejuvenated by the experience, and afterwards it's as if everything around me were new. The persons around you look different -- nobler, more special. I can't help but have this smile."

Learn the Truth from the Show

With their elegant voices, renowned Sopranos Jiang Min and Bai Xue, Alto Yang Jianshen and acclaimed Tenor Guan Guimin called on the precious Chinese people to find the truth for their future well-being. Many members of the audience were moved to tears.

Soprano Xue Bai sang "Auspicious Words" in which she repeatedly reminded her audience to remember "Dafa Hao."

Alto Yang Jianshen said: "Falun Gong practitioners are fulfilling their prehistoric vows by tirelessly clarifying the truth of Falun Gong to everyday people. However, they do not mean to force anyone to believe in their belief. Instead, they hope that people can judge what is right and wrong based on the facts so that they can be spared when the destruction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) comes."

Lester Cohen, CEO of a medical equipment company, was touched by the lyrics of these songs. He said that the lyrics are wonderful words with great compassion and truth and are very inspiring.

"I didn't see any influence of the CCP from the Show, however, I discovered a lot problems that the CCP has." Cohen said.

Magola Spiegel said that he learned that one shall be sincere, disciplined and humble and lives a quality life following traditional values.

Ballet instructor Susan Van Valen said that she cried when she learned the story behind the Dance, "Candlelight Vigil," which depicts the unyielding spirit of Falun Gong practitioners during the most brutal persecution

Mr. Cohen, CEO of a medical equipment company, said that the songs inspired him to ponder the meaning of life. He said that the lyrics were wonderful, with great compassion and truth.

Documentary producer Andrea said: I believe that arts can not exist independent of politics and history. One shall not only appreciate the beauty of traditional Chinese culture but also appreciate people's admirable efforts in preserving such a beautiful culture. It is very important to incorporate them together.

Leeshai Lemish, host of the Show, spoke fluent Mandarin and Cantonese. He said: "The Chinese New Year is also a time for Chinese to memorize their family members who have passed away. Dancers of the "Candlelight Vigil" memorized the Chinese Falun Gong practitioners who have been persecuted to death by the CCP while a singer sang: "Spheres of candlelight, one after another, spreading forth, like a ray of hope that spreads far and wide the beauty of honesty, kindness, patience...So light up a candle and let compassion and truth spread forth. Light up a candle and illuminate the world."

Drama critic Ms. Guo Jingzi said: "It seems that the stars in the sky and the candle lights were calling people to awaken from the maze. Though candle lights are gentle and soft, a presentation of so many is very powerful and touching."

The Chinese New Year Spectacular Created a Sensation in the Broadway

1963 Oscar Best Actress Patricia Neal said that she enjoyed the show and had a wonderful night. She said that she loved every performance, every song and every dance. "I will come back next year," she said.

Broadway renowned actor Joel Vig said: The Show is very good. He said that he liked the Bowl Dance and Rainbows Dance.

Paul Catafago, executive director of nonprofit culture organization "The Source is One", said: The show has a lot programs, and it is hard to believe that so many programs of different types can be put together so efficiently. The Show can be compared to any Broadway shows. He said that he loved the music and he cold tell that the composers must have a deep understanding of the Show as the music matched the programs so perfectly.

"They can be called musical choreographers. I will like to meet these musicians." He said.

Harold Channer is a producer and anchor for a Manhattan cable TV and is very interested in Chinese culture. After he watched the first half of the Show, he exclaimed: Beautiful, costume, dances... In addition, the lyrics directly tell the evil nature of the CCP and its doomed fate.

"I like the NTDTV. They produced such a great Show for the viewers." Dr. Channer said.

Dan Miller, an anchor for WVOX TV, said: "The show is great. I recommend it to everyone. For next year, I recommend everyone to buy tickets. It is not enough to just watch it once, one shall watch it twice. If the NTDTV Show once again coincides with Valentines Day, bring you loved ones. This is a great gift for Valentines Day."

The Show now has drown a successful conclusion in New York City. It gave the audience not only an exotic experience but also a lot inspiration.

Posting date: 2/19/2007
Original article date: 2/19/2007
Category: News & Media Reports

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