MELBOURNE—Aldonna Martin and Brian Roache brought their three relatives from the Black Forrest in Germany to see the Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company at the Regent Theatre, on Wednesday, March 2, as a special treat for their last evening in Australia.
The Regent Theatre, also affectionately known as the ‘People’s Palace,’ stands in the lively hub of the city. Originally, this opulent, Spanish-gothic hall was a picture theatre. But over the last 80 years, it has been used to house many world class productions and music events, now known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Melbourne.’
The New York-based International Company, on its Australian leg of its 2011 World Tour is one of three touring the world simultaneously. The others, Touring Company and New York Company, has just finished shows in Frankfurt, Germany and is now in Austria, while the latter is currently performing in Indianapolis, USA.
Ms. Martin, a retired tax accountant, wanted to treat her family “to the best show,” she said.
From Germany were Adelheid Boehmann, Marta Fleig, and Anita Shirling who joined their hosts in applauding the beauty and quality of the Shen Yun performance.
“Absolutely stunning, mind blowing, the music was sensational,” said Ms. Martin.
Retired engineer Mr. Roache added, “I was so pleased with it. They were just magnificent performers. So well-disciplined, the dancing was magnificent. And they were so fit and active … You just couldn’t imagine how they could become so agile.”
