NEWARK, N.J.—Shen Yun Performing Arts opened to a sold-out audience at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on May 4, the first of five performances running through May 7.

“It was absolutely wonderful—the music was incredible, the dancing was incredible, and I absolutely love the story—a wonderful experience,” he said.

“We’re super proud,” he said. “Eight companies—it’s incredible. I think it’s nothing but a positive message and it’s going to have a wonderful reception across the globe, and I’m certainly going to praise it and tell all my friends.”

“It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss, and you can see it with your children, you can watch it with your spouse, your friends, it’s just a universal message of positive energy,” he said. “You can see the joy in their faces as they’re performing.”

Neuhaus said some of the messages he gleaned were of hope in dark times, perseverance, and how “the spirit of freedom is in all of us.” Neuhaus has traveled all over the world as a commander for the U.S. Navy and has seen that “freedom is contagious.”

“Everywhere I’ve went, they’re mostly good people, and it’s just the governments [that are oppressive],” he said.

Arteta said the stories, especially those showing what is happening in China today, were touching to witness. “Even after all the bad stuff that goes on in that country, they can come here and do happy things for us.”

“I think the performers were excellent, not a mistake in the bunch—they were just perfect!”

“I would come again. I have a little 8-year-old girl who loves to dance, and I would love to take her.”

“It was beautiful, it was wonderful to watch. I learned a lot about the culture and the variety of dance that represents China, that goes on in China even under such a cruel regime,” he said. “I think we’re bringing positivity to other countries, which is a great thing.”