‘It’s magnificent,’ Says Octogenarian of Spectacular

As the Divine Performing Arts Mid-Autumn Spectacular wraps up its run at Toronto’s John Bassett Theatre, the renowned production is leaving audiences enchanted by its many treasures.
‘It’s magnificent,’ Says Octogenarian of Spectacular
Carolyn Pereira (R) and her children and mother at the 'Spectacular'. (The Epoch Times)
Matthew Little
9/28/2008
Updated:
5/7/2013
<a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/m2_medium.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-74260" title="Anna Gilbert (L) and her daughter Debbie at the Spectacular.  (The Epoch Times)" src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/m2_medium.jpg" alt="Anna Gilbert (L) and her daughter Debbie at the Spectacular.  (The Epoch Times)" width="320"/></a>
Anna Gilbert (L) and her daughter Debbie at the Spectacular.  (The Epoch Times)

TORONTO—As the Divine Performing Arts Mid-Autumn Spectacular wraps up its run at Toronto’s John Bassett Theatre, the renowned production is leaving audiences enchanted by its many treasures.

“I’m 80 years old and I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s magnificient. I’m so happy I came. We can’t get over it, we can’t even breathe,” said Anna Gilbert, whose family has been in the jewelry business in Canada for generations.

Ms. Gilbert was also impressed by the vibrant colors of the costumes, all of which are hand made and based on traditional styles from China’s past dynasties.

“The costumes are beautiful. It’s just breathtaking; it really is unbelievable.”

Based in New York, Divine Performing Arts (DPA) is a group of Chinese artists who perform classical Chinese music and dance. According to the performance company’s website, DPA’s work “contains traditional stories and themes of compassion, kindness and courage, where the human spirit triumphs over adversity.”

Ms. Gilbert was visiting a Chinese restaurant when she noticed an advertisement for the Spectacular. That chance encounter brought her to Sunday’s show — and left her wanting more.

“I’m going to watch that restaurant from now on and see when they change the advertisement,” she said.

Attending the show with Ms. Gilbert was her daughter, Debbie, who echoed her mother’s sentiments.

“Beautiful, excellent, beautiful show. Everything has been beautiful, really.”

<a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/sp_medium.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-74261" title="Carolyn Pereira (R) and her children and mother at the 'Spectacular'.  (The Epoch Times)" src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/sp_medium.jpg" alt="Carolyn Pereira (R) and her children and mother at the 'Spectacular'.  (The Epoch Times)" width="320"/></a>
Carolyn Pereira (R) and her children and mother at the 'Spectacular'.  (The Epoch Times)

Carolyn Pereira, a stay-at-home mother who also attended Saturday’s show, was equally impressed.

“I think it’s great,” she said. “I love it.”

Mrs. Pereira came to the show with family, all from Toronto. Her mother spoke about what she enjoyed most in the show.

“The colors, all the beautiful colors and the graceful dancers, that’s the part that I liked the best,” she said. “It was very nice ... I liked it a lot.”

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most ancient and cherished holidays. The Spectacular expresses Chinese classical dance and showcases authentic traditional Chinese culture. Through background scenery, costumes, and choreography, the Spectacular expresses truthfulness, compassion, and pure beauty. China’s history comes to life in this gorgeous performance that is entertaining, inspiring, and uplifting. The show’s content is presented in both Chinese and English. For more information, visit: www.divineshows.com/Toronto .

For more information on the Divine Performing Arts: www.divineperformingarts.org

Matthew Little is a senior editor with Epoch Health.
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