SEATTLE, Wash.—The great Northwest city of Seattle is anticipating the arrival of Shen Yun Performing Arts on April 3 through April 6 at the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall.
Last year’s theatergoers loved the positive message and great entertainment that Shen Yun presented and joined the world’s audience in their applause.
“I think the long history of China has always impressed me the most. And I think trying to preserve that and capture it in this performance is very important,” said Greg Hyslop, a retired Boeing engineer.
Fiona Hyslop, a retired Boeing administrative executive, said: “Some of us knew about [traditional Chinese culture] beforehand, but modern-day kids today wouldn’t know. All they ever hear is all the anti-stuff on TV about anti-China this and anti-China that. They don’t remember or wouldn’t know of what is here. So I think this is a great way to get it out.
Entrancing Music
Shen Yun’s live orchestra enchanted retired musicians from the Seattle Symphony, Dave and Judy Kriewall.“I’m listening to the orchestra. It’s so light and clear. The registrations and the Chinese flavor of it is different from the Western culture a bit. But it’s very beautiful,” Mr. Kriewall said.
“I think we’re lost without tradition. We’ve become unmoored. And you see that happening especially in Western culture. Now I see it in Chinese culture, too,” he said.
“A lot of energy, and the orchestra is wonderful. The music is beautiful. We don’t have a lot of exposure to traditional Chinese music, and I found it very soothing but also worthwhile while telling the story,” said Justin Avril, the operations director at Olympus Terminals.
Message of Compassion
“I loved the pantomime of the compassion, the kindness. In our world, we need more of that,” said Karen Sapienza, owner of Footlady.
“I was really impressed with the discipline, the performance, the synchronicity of the performance. The elegance, the beauty—I found [Shen Yun] not only mentally stimulating, but I thought it touched the heart and soul,” said Eric Monroe, the owner of Illusion Dance Academy.
“It’s very moving, very touching. I consider myself a bit of a tough guy, but I was moved to tears by the performance. It was very beautiful,” he said.
“The dancing and the harmonious spirit it brought, and the music was divine. It was lovely,” said Pam Gassman, an artist.
Shen Yun’s message touched many in the Seattle audience.
“The message that I got was that people want to return to their tradition and return to their beliefs and they’re being persecuted for that by the government of China,” said Nicholas Cramer, a senior manufacturing engineer.
Rae Rawley, a professor at Peninsula College, said, “It’s beautiful, and it’s a message of kindness and goodness.”
Many recommended Shen Yun’s performance. For Justin Franklin, a financial analyst, Shen Yun’s performance has exceeded his expectations, and he said he cannot wait to come back next year.
“Please keep doing what you’re doing. It’s obviously flawless, it’s wonderful. I’m humbled by your work, I can’t wait to come see it next year,” he said.
“I would encourage you folks to come. You won’t be disappointed. There’s very few things we can do in life that bring such interests and freshness, and this is one of those events that you should all make an effort to attend,” said Tom Young, the CEO of a real estate development company.
