‘I thought the performances were outstanding,’ Says Film Producer

Peter Starr said Shen Yun was 'very impressive' after taking in the performing arts company's final show in Kitchener-Waterloo on Friday. (NTDTV)

KITCHENER-WATERLOO— “The whole thing is really nice, very impressive,” said film producer Peter Starr after seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Centre in the Square theatre in Kitchener on Friday night.

“I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the performances were outstanding. I think it is really well put together, nice stage play, beautiful lighting, and very nice set design. I think it’s terrific, really well done.”

Mr. Starr has produced numerous films, including “Zero Degrees of Separation” and “Inside Out.” He co-produced “Amal” last year, which was shown at the Toronto Film Festival. He also produced a series called “Planet Earth” in 1995.

In its renaissance of traditional Chinese culture, New York-based Shen Yun takes its inspiration from 5,000 years of Chinese history. The centrepiece of the show—which has ethnic, folk, and story-based dances as well as musical solos—is classical Chinese dance.

“I like the dance sections especially,” said Mr. Starr. “A lot of the music is wonderful as well, so I think they structured it really well, with a nice blend of dance and then individual musical performances, so it is really well put together. The dancing, particularly by the women, is just outstanding. They are so well choreographed and the costume design is terrific.”

Mr. Starr, who was interviewed during the intermission, said he was “really impressed” with the music. The Shen Yun Orchestra blends Chinese and Western instruments and plays all original compositions.

“The orchestra is just outstanding, great direction, and the musicians are performing very well.”

He was also impressed with Shen Yun’s innovative animated backdrops—something entirely unique in the world of theatre.

“I think it’s cool. I think it’s suited to the kind of fantasy of what it is to a certain extent, so I think it’s working quite nicely... I think it’s really nicely woven together,” he said.

Shen Yun Performing Arts will perform at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Friday through Sunday, January 8 through 10.

  For more information, visit shenyunperformingarts.org