Spectacular - Beautiful - Engaging
by Deener D on 5/7/24Orpheum Theatre - MinneapolisRating: 5 out of 5The show (and venue) were outstanding. I had interest in the past but decided not to attend due to the high prices. But when I saw Shen Yun was in town again, I looked into tickets and found they were reasonable.
I am SO glad I did. What an amazingly beautiful show. I loved the many and varied stories told in music, dance, with added interactive projections that help to convey so much more detail in each story. The programs include a synopsis of each story and I am so grateful for that. As I read through it the days after the show, it helped me recall each vignette with great detail.
The show was so much more than I imagined. The live orchestra with western and Chinese instruments combining to make the sounds unique and ethereal; the pure athleticism and refinement of the dance, the vibrant and historically accurate costumes (if the program is to be believed, and I have no reason not to believe it).
I learned the show is created anew each year, including stories, dance, music, costumes, etc. It is more impressive when you consider the amount of work and dedication that consistently goes into each year's production. I also learned the show is created in the United States and includes stories of China's past prior to the communist revolution. This means the creators enjoy freedom of expression. I don't have to weigh my conscience over the risk of supporting an oppressive regime and the potential oppression of artists with my ticket purchase.
In every way, the show was a beautiful and soul-enhancing experience. I would love to return to see Shen Yun in future years and I highly recommend the experience.