DETROIT—Herman Petzold and Judith Fischer had often seen Shen Yun Performing Arts advertised and said they had wanted for a very long time to experience a performance. On Feb. 7, the friends attended Shen Yun’s opening night performance at the Detroit Opera House.

“Oh, it’s inspiring, very much so,” said Mr. Petzold, an attorney. “We’ve both been looking forward to it for a long time ... I find it great.”

“It’s fabulous,” said Mr. Petzold, adding that the sheer beauty of the performance had been inspiring.

Ms. Fischer, CEO of a child welfare agency, said she enjoyed the various aspects that created the production.

“I just find it very historic and intriguing,” she said.

Another reason is that Shen Yun’s programs often include at least one story set in the present day, shining light on the regime’s religious persecution, in contrast to the Chinese people who continue to hold on to faith and tradition despite oppression.

In Shen Yun, Ms. Fisher saw a message of hope.

“The message of hope, and calming, and possibilities,” she said. Hope, she added, “of a better future.”

Mr. Petzold agreed, saying Shen Yun displayed a “freedom of spirit.”