HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—On April 6, singer Mark Lennon and his friend Jeffrey Banks, a hairstylist, attended Shen Yun’s matinee at the Dolby Theatre.

“I loved it. It was wonderful. I had no idea that it was going to be a history of the [current societal issue.] I thought it was just dancing and pleasure—and it was, but it was also a good message,” Mr. Lennon said, exiting the show.

Mr. Banks chimed in that he also enjoyed the show. This was his second time attending Shen Yun.

“The costumes and the dancing and everything were great. I liked the story too,” he said.

Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s leading classical Chinese dance and music company.

Mr. Lennon also appreciated the beautiful stories and the company’s mission to bring back traditional culture. He loved the idea of “respecting elders and respecting tradition.”

“[The show’s values are] reaffirming for me but educational to new people.”

Referring to the artists’ introduction of the three traditional Chinese values, truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, Mr. Lennon said he loves them and thinks that they’re universal.

“Most people don’t get it—believing in the Creator, higher beings, good, faith, and values—I think it’s important to our society. I was born Catholic, but I was raised spiritually, so I get all of that. I’m open to everything. I think it’s wonderful.”