"Soul of Shaolin," a Chinese Kung Fu show, officially opened at Broadway's Marquis Theater in New York on Thursday night, attracting a large audience and prompting local leaders to hail the "China on Broadway Day."

The show, which is a mix of dance, martial arts, acrobatics with potent music and vivid theatrical design, was jointly presented by Nederlander Worldwide Productions, LLC, a major player of the American theater, and China's Eastern Shanghai International Culture Film & Television Group. It will stage 24 performances through January 31.

Featuring 30 Chinese performers, all dubbed "Shaolin Temple Wushu Martial Artists," the show is not only a major cultural exchange activity between China and the United States, but also part of the celebration of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on January 26 this year.

"We know this is a show that will bring tremendous interest to Broadway audiences," said Bob Nederlander, Jr., president and CEO of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment. "It's got great spectacle, music and martial arts, and offers American audiences a glimpse of China and the best of Chinese culture."

"That's the greatest thing about culture, which lets people know that we share the same goals, dreams and aspirations and I think it will help bring the Chinese and American audiences closer together," he added.

The Thursday debut drew such VIP audience as UN under-secretary- general for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang, UN deputy secretary-general Asha-Rose Migiro, and Chinese Ambassador to the UN Zhang Yesui. George Hu from New York state Governor David Paterson's office and Marjorie Tiven from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office were also present.

Both Bloomberg and Paterson had proclaimed Thursday as the "China on Broadway Day."

After watching the show, Dan Rather, former news anchor for the CBS Evening News, told Xinhua that he was greatly impressed by the "unique, spectacular and adventurous" performance.

"I am enjoying myself greatly," he said, adding that bringing this show to Broadway was "a good thing for our two countries."

"Soul of Shaolin," which has appeared in Sydney, Macao and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, "is set in ancient China during a time of war," according to the production notes distributed to the audience and media.

"After being separated from his mother when he was a baby, Hui Guang was rescued and raised by monks in the Shaolin Temple. Under the guidance of his mentor, Na Luo, Hui Guang is instructed in the unique ways and daily practices of Shaolin Kung Fu. The play 'Soul of Shaolin' combines the action of Kung Fu and the inaction of Buddhist meditation with a heart-warming story to create an organic whole," said the notes.

Shaolin Kung Fu is described as the collection of martial arts that is associated with the monks of the Shaolin Temple based in central China's Henan Province. This particular style is characterized by almost superhuman displays of strength and agility, but is tempered with the monks' philosophical belief in training the mind, body, and soul.

As agreed, the American and Chinese partners will work together to create a "China on Broadway" brand, with the "Soul of Shaolin" as the inaugural production. The two sides will continue to develop and produce theatrical projects for global audiences, and will bring an annual theatrical event featuring leading Chinese artists to Broadway in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

"This partnership has already experienced tremendous success with our touring production of Aida in China. We are honored to be able to bring this partnership to Broadway with Soul of Shaolin," said Bob Nederlander.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2009)