Shen Yun Greeted by Warm Spring Day in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE—Warm Spring weather welcomed Shen Yun to Milwaukee, a perfect signal that the world's premier of classical Chinese dance and music had returned. The artistry of Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company was just one aspect that thrilled Andrea Taylor and her mother, Wingsee Eldridge. “The costumes! They’re just so colorful, and flowing, and how they move with all the dancers, all together, the same direction. The colors—they all flow together so beautifully because the dancers are all in sync,” the associate financial representative exclaimed.

Continuing the Midwest-leg of its 2011 tour, New York-based Shen Yun returned to Milwaukee opening to resounding applause at the Marcus Center giving the first of two performances on Sunday afternoon, March 13.

Being half Chinese, Ms. Taylor appreciated seeing her heritage shine through Shen Yun. “It’s just something beautiful to see in the Chinese heritage,” she said.

Her mother, Ms. Eldridge is from Hong Kong and was very proud to see classical Chinese culture presented in the performances. “I’m proud. It’s nice to see something with the high culture that I grew up with; something that I can identify. I think it’s good. I was raised in Hong Kong,” she said.

Ms. Eldridge and her husband had attended Shen Yun last year and as soon as she saw the advertisement this year she made sure to bring her daughter.

Shen Yun’s hundreds of gorgeous handmade costumes span China’s dynasties and ethnic groups. Ms. Eldridge loved the costumes and said, “The costumes are beautiful. And the backdrop, I love the backdrop, it’s just amazing. Last time I came with my husband. This time (her daughter) had a chance (to see Shen Yun,) I jumped on it."

Ms. Taylor and her mother purchased tickets for the best seats in the house. Ms. Eldridge is retired from the Milwaukee school district and shared that she had been telling others about the show after she and her husband saw it last year. “I’ve been telling them about how it’s beautiful. It’s colorful and beautiful.”

Ms. Taylor concluded by saying she would recommend Shen Yun to her friends: “The costumes are fabulous!”

Part of Milwaukee's downtown theater district,The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts has hosted artists ranging from Bob Hope to Bob Marley. Originally conceived in 1945, the theater was finally finished in 1969 using Chicago architect Harry Weese's blueprints. After extensive renovations in 1994, it was renamed The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Today the center is considered one of the best-equipped venues in the country.

Uihlein Hall is named in honor of the Uihlein family, the owners of the former Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. Renovated in 1997, it seats 2,305, and is the largest theater in the Marcus Center.

Reporting by Valerie Avore and Jeanmarie Lunsford.