“The [performance] is great—the artistry, the costumes, the colors … the set design, everything … the preciseness of all the movements and the coordination I think is just terrific,” he said.

“[The] quality is unsurmountable. I mean, everything is just spot on,” Mr. Doucette said with enthusiasm.

“I usually go around the country and see it when it’s performing in different places,” he said.

“It’s just very uplifting, especially when I think …  of COVID and what we’re going through right now. It’s upbeat, … it’s soothing, it’s relaxing.”

Shen Yun’s mission to revive the authentic Chinese culture from the pre-communist era is praiseworthy, the former diplomat said.

“It’s wonderful. I mean … showing what it was like before communist China gives … people, especially in America, a good perception of the thousands of years that the Chinese culture has brought and maintained,” he said.

Mr. Douette, who is familiar with many cultures, said he thought Chinese culture was outstanding.

“It’s one of a kind. I think it rivals all the art …  that you can see in any part of the U.S. wherever you go. It’s something that should not be missed,” he said.

“The colors are just spectacular. The dance, the music, it all comes together. It’s all so beautiful and moving,” Father Finelli said.

“The way they dance just makes a burst of beauty.”

“I’ve always loved the Chinese culture. Hopefully someday, communism will be gone and there will be a rebirth because of the beauty [and] the kindness of the Chinese people,” he said.

“It’s not through war, but peace will come through people resisting and being kind to one another,” he said.

Ray and Darla Rilling had come to see Shen Yun with their four children. Mr. Rilling, director of technology at Putnam Plastics Corp., said his children enjoyed the performance. He said it was important for children to learn about another culture.

“The story is very good. [The performers] are very expressive and it’s easy to understand—and it’s fun to watch,” he said.

“You get to feel what the different cultures within China are like. So we got to see what the northern folks are like and then I think it’s a nice contrast compared to the southern cultures that were shown.”

Mrs. Rilling, a teacher, gave her thoughts on the lack of freedom in China.

“I wasn’t aware of the suppression of being unable to share the dance and the story within China. So I think it’s wonderful for our kids to experience,” she said.

Shen Yun is free to perform around the world but it has been banned in China, despite its presentation of traditional Chinese history and culture.

Mrs. Rilling was also impressed by the vibrancy and color in the performance.