New Tang Dynasty's (NTDTV) Chinese New Year Spectacular kicked off its world tour on the evening of January 4th, 2008 at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia. The Greater Philadelphia media reported on this largest yet Chinese New Year celebration to be staged.
The Gloucester County Times in South New Jersey published a report on its Recreation page on December 21st, 2007, stating "Philadelphia will kick off the largest celebration of Chinese Culture in the world with five performances of New Tang Dynasty TV's Chinese New Year Spectacular January 4th, 5th and 6th at the Merriam Theater."
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The report said, "The show promises to transport audiences across the oceans and centuries to experience China's 5,000 years of history and traditions. More than 100 ornately costumed dancers and singers will enact traditional Chinese myths and legends to ring in the year of the rat, which begin on February 7th."
The report also stated that the Chinese New Year Spectacular features performances by such world class artists as Tenor Guimin Guan, Erhuist Xiaochun Qi, and Conductor Rutang Chen.
The report said that Erhuist Xiaochun Qi has played the traditional Chinese stringed instrument to symphony audiences in Geneva, Boston, New York, Toronto and Houston; and Conductor Rutang Chen was a cellist for China's Central Philharmonic Society Orchestra for more than three decades before moving to the United States. Chen is joined on stage by his wife Ningfang, a flutist, and his son, Gang, a bassoonist. Chen's daughter, Ying, works behind the scenes as stage manager.
"Two troupes [companies] will stage more than 150 live performances in over 50 cities around the world. By comparison, last year, the annual tour presented 81 shows in 32 cities. " According to Rutang Chen, it is the Chinese Spectacular's uniqueness and beauty that draws audiences."
Chinese New Year Spectacular will be performed Friday, Jan. 4th at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5th at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 6th at 2 and 7 p.m. at Merriam Theater, 260 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tickets--available through Ticketmaster--are $38 to $108. (856) 437-4826. www.bestchineseshows.com.
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