Anne Dorfeh is a substitute teacher from upstate New York who came with her husband to the Saturday matinee of the Chinese Splendor at Radio City Music Hall.
"It was very worthwhile to come to the show -a real treat. I am grateful to be here," said Dorfeh.
Dorfeh said she could especially relate to the show because of growing up in a communist regime in Eastern Europe.
"It is very special to me. I like the spiritual aspect as my father was a political refugee at the time when communism occupied the Czech Republic. I could relate to the part in the show that always in the end, truth prevails, and in the end, good will come."
Dorfeh was referring to a scene in the show which tells the story of a contemporary tragedy in China: the persecution of Falun Gong, a meditation practice and spiritual discipline currently being brutally suppressed by the Chinese communist regime.
"I could relate to a lot of lyrics; the words express the connection to life. My father was in jail and he escaped. When I see the show, it makes me cry all the time. There is a lot of compassion in the show. I can't stop crying."
Dorfeh also liked several other parts of the Splendor. "The costumes, colors, the fan dance–it's gorgeous." The fan dance is called "Lightness and Grace."
"My husband surprised me with this show as I couldn't accompany him when he went to China. It's an honor to be here at this show," she added.
The Chinese New Year Splendor continues in New York through Saturday, Feb. 9. For other shows in the Divine Performing Arts world tour, please visit: http://www.DivinePerformingArts.org/ .