Honolulu Spectacular a Resounding Success

HONOLULU—Mr. Michael Pili Pang, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts and several friends attended the first ever Hawaii performance of the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular at the Neil Blaisdell Center.

The ethnically and culturally diverse crowd reflected the diverse makeup of the people of the Hawaiian Islands, filling the 2000 seat theater to full capacity. Attendees to the show ranged in age from young children to the elderly and even the some wheelchair-bound.

Mr Pang said he was impressed by the dance. "The execution of the traditional movements and the fusion of the movements with the music were excellent," he said.

He added that the information given by the compeers during the show and the background in the program booklet and was helpful in understanding the meaning behind the performances.

"The explanations were excellent," Mr Pang said.

As for a favorite number, Mr Pang said there were two that he particularly liked. "I liked the chopstick dance [Chopstick Zest] —it was interesting, and the Manchurian women [Ladies of the Manchu Court] were simple and elegant."

Ms Dani Hanohano a retired schoolteacher also enjoyed the performance. "I like different cultures and different dances, I'm very interested in this show. It was excellent," she said.

Audience Members Enjoy the Colorful Display

Kaimuki resident Jake Asher works with NOAA Fisheries. He said he really enjoyed the show.

"The 'Mongolian Bowl Dance' and the water nymphs [Nymphs of the Sea] were amazing, those two were my favorites," said Asher.

He added that the technical skill of the dancers amazed him. "The Mongolian dance—their heads were staying stationary but there was a lot going on,"

Asher said that the unique and detailed background screens for every act were something he "had never seen before".

Megan Moews joined Mr Asher at the Spectacular . She is also works with NOAA Fisheries and said she enjoyed many aspects of the show, particularly the skill of the dancers.

"I love the way they float when they dance," Ms Moews said. "All of it is absolutely stunning."

A husband and wife who attended the show, Thelma and Ben (they did not want to give their last name), said they also enjoyed the evening's performance.

"The show was wonderful. Well done," Thelma said.

The Spectacular leaves its one evening engagement in Hawaii for a two show run in Seattle, Washington on April 23 and 24.

With additional reporting by Valerie DeFrain.

For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.