LAS VEGAS—Jeffrey Goodman, a retired Broadway critic, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on March 5.

Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.

“I loved the show. It was so patterned, it was magnificent,” Mr. Goodman said.

“Everything is so in sync. It was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. They float on air when they’re dancing. It’s so great. It really made my heart lift during the show. It just made me feel so good,” Mr. Goodman shared.

“I loved the stories, and the values that it exudes were wonderful. I specifically loved the Monkey King so much because that was just brilliant and fun to watch. I just thought the stories were terrific. I can’t wait to see it again tomorrow,” Mr. Goodman said.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“The sets, the projections ... were magnificent, and how the projections work with the dance. It’s so inventive. And it’s so wonderful,” Mr. Goodman said.

“I did like that the song [said] if you take away religion, you kind of kill in culture,” Mr. Goodman said, recognizing that the killing of culture is exactly what happened in China during the Cultural Revolution.

“I loved the woman who played that instrument. That was so lovely,” Mr. Goodman said.