SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Talk Show Host Praises Shen Yun’s Message of Embracing Spirituality

Apr 01, 2024

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Shen Yun Performing Arts performed at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on March 31 to a delighted audience. Talk show host Steve Hook came to the Shen Yun performance for his wife’s birthday. “I like the anti-communist message, and it’s Easter, so it’s a good day to do it,” he said.

He praised the athleticism of the performers as well as the message. “I’m kind of amazed at how well they dance. I mean, I had no idea it was so physical. The messaging is so wonderful, and it’s something you wouldn’t get in Beijing, that’s for sure. So it’s good to see that,” he said. “Just anything that is anti-communism, I’m down with.”

Mr. Hook said the spiritual message was very powerful. “Just a whole rebirth. That last dance was wonderful. The singer, the soprano, she was wonderful. The message was wonderful. So I like that. It’s down with atheism and embrace spirituality, which I think we can use a lot more of in this day and age.”

He said his wife enjoyed Shen Yun. “My wife has wanted to see this show forever, and we figured her birthday is tomorrow, Easter is today, so let’s do it. We’re going to come again,” he said.

To the listeners of his talk show, Mr. Hook said, “I would recommend [Shen Yun]. I would say, it’s true, communism sucks. Go watch Shen Yun and find out why they can’t do this in Beijing.”

Former Teacher Says Shen Yun ‘Tells a Great Story’

Vincent Buzzone, retired from the military, said, “I really enjoyed the pageantry and the stories. The stories tell a lot about the people and how the actors portray life as it was in those times. It’s very, very nice.”

Liz Scapicchio, a former teacher, said, “To me, it’s a bunch of Broadway shows all rolled into one, so I’m loving it. I’m glad to be here. It’s the perfect thing to do on Easter Sunday. We’re just thrilled.”

(L–R) Liz and Ron Scapicchio, and Vincent Buzzone attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on March 31. (Sharon Lin/The Epoch Times) — (L–R) Liz and Ron Scapicchio, and Vincent Buzzone attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on March 31. Sharon Lin/The Epoch Times

Many audience members could feel the elegant energy from the dance of the sleeves. “It’s beautiful,” said Mrs. Scapicchio. “It’s something we really haven’t seen anything like this before. We’ve been to a number of live performances, whether it’s Broadway or different levels, but this is something very unique, so we’re glad to experience it today. It’s great. It tells a story.”

Ron Scapicchio, a mechanical contractor, noted the time and effort to produce such a performance, and said, “They’re beyond excellent, and I really appreciate how much time it must take to get to this type of performance here.”

Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun is sharing with the world the beauty of China’s authentic 5,000 years of history. Since its founding in 2006, the company has received worldwide accolades for its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.

Mr. Scapicchio agreed with the importance of sharing traditional culture. “I do agree with how they perceive going to another life, heaven after the fact, which I didn’t know. Based on how today is actually Easter, how it actually kind of worked with the show, which I didn’t realize,” he said.

Mrs. Scapicchio agreed. “There was a religious element to it. And we’re very happy with it. We had no idea that that was going to be a part of it. That’s what my father was commenting on, too. He’s like, it’s the perfect show to see today. It just happened that we got tickets for Sunday’s performance months ago. It’s a great time. It worked out beautifully,” she said.

Reporting by Sharon Lin, Frank Liang, and Yvonne Marcotte.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.