“Wonderful orchestra,” Mr. Molodvsky said, “The conductor stays right in touch with the moment on the stage, and from the screen to the stage.”

Mrs. Bak thought Shen Yun was “a lot of fun,” yet also an effective way to connect with the culture.

“It’s very interesting that you cannot see this show in China, but you can see it here,” Claudia Lieberman said.

“It just works perfectly with the visual effects, the backdrops ... the costumes, the performance—it is wonderful,” Monique Hardin said.

Two mothers had driven back from “wintering” in California for three days straight just to be in Chicago in time for the performance.

“We think classical, but their classical is much more classical than ours, that is 5,000 years.”

“The music was absolutely amazing, very uplifting.”

It was Shen Yun Performing Arts that drew thousands to the Kennedy Center Opera House from the first day of spring and continuing for 10 days.

Ms. Shapiro said she believed traditional Chinese culture was “very good” and “tolerant.”