Eldorado Presents American Premier of Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu
(Reno, Nev.) – The American debut direct from Beijing, Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu is a unique theatrical production which celebrates the philosophy and skill of the martial art of Kung Fu through story-telling, dramatic design, choreography, flying acrobatics and breath-taking music. This production breaks the mold with its clear and delightful storyline and its unique blending of ballet, modern dance and Kung Fu movement. Premiering in the intimate Eldorado Showroom September 13, the show continues through January 1.
The company of 65 features a cast of young Kung Fu practitioners, dancers, and acrobats, all of them professional performers from all regions of China, including 5 boys under the age of 12, already well-advanced in their training, and clearly delighted with their early chosen profession.
The performers are not only skilled in Kung Fu martial arts, but are also trained in, and quite impressive in their theatrical presentation. The dancers and acrobats add new dimensions to the exploration of the movements and discipline of Kung Fu. The action is continuous and the drama is breathtaking. A young boy, brought by his mother, enters the Temple of Kung Fu and trains to become a monk in the Kung Fu tradition. The master begins the boy’s apprenticeship, giving him the name “Chun Yi”, the Pure One. As he grows and develops, he learns the physical skills of Kung Fu but also learns he must withstand temptations of the heart along the way and throughout his life in order to maintain his discipline and Kung Fu focus. Chun Yi meets the challenges, falls for and overcomes temptation and finally attains the honor of being named Master, becoming a wise teacher for the next generations.
Developed at the Beijing Red Theatre by China Heaven Creation, one of China’s leading performing arts producers, Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu has impressed audiences and critics alike all over the world. Says Ian Trafford of Stage by Stage in London, “I work in the theatre industry in Britain, and I would say that this is one of the best shows I have ever seen anywhere, including the West End and Broadway. The design is stunning, with one gorgeous idea after another. The flying is breath-taking and the lighting is very effective. Congratulations on an unforgettable evening!”
Director and Playwright Su Shijin has interwoven emotion and action by skillfully combining traditional martial arts movement with evocative dance, ballet and flying acrobatics. Scriptwriter Gao Liting has captured the story of a young boy seeking enlightenment while the powerful music by Zheng Bing underscores the entire production, including the haunting theme song, The Lotus Blossoms Silently. Set designer Han Lixun has created a vast and interactive environment enhanced by the dramatic lighting effects of Rang Ruiguo.
Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu plays the Eldorado Showroom September 13 through January 1. Tickets are available from $30.95. For information and show times call the Eldorado at 1-800-648-5966 or 775-786-5700 in Nevada. Visit the Eldorado online at eldoradoreno.com.