To celebrate SCCCA’s 50th anniversary, the original musical LEGENDS took the stage at Segerstrom Hall in Orange County on May 30.
Blending East-West music, dance, martial arts, aerial performance, and animation, the show brought Nezha and Chang’e to life, earning thunderous applause and drawing crowds for photos with the leads and conductor after the performance.
Myths Reborn · Heritage Resounds
Over the past two years, LEGENDS has brought Mulan, the Monkey King, and Nezha to life through Chinese and Western music, dance, martial arts, and rhythmic gymnastics revealing the timeless spirit of Chinese culture.
This year, LEGENDS returned to Nezha’s courage and justice while debuting Chang’e Flies to the Moon, a richer blend of storytelling, emotion, and stage artistry.
Through dialogue between an elder and a child, audiences were led into a moonlit journey of heroism, love, longing, and reunion.
South Coast Chinese Orchestra Conductor Bin He said the Nezha story unfolds in six movements, from The Prodigy Is Born, A Champion of Justice, and Floods Engulf the Homeland to Rebirth, A Battle at Sea, and Peace in the Land.
Together, they trace Nezha’s journey from divine child to selfless hero, from sacrifice and rebirth to the final restoration of peace.
Six Acts · Music Moves
Chang’e Flies to the Moon unfolds in six movements: Hou Yi Shoots the Suns, A Romantic Encounter, The Queen Mother’s Elixir, Chang’e Flies to the Moon, Longing Across Worlds, and Mid-Autumn Reunion.
The story moves from heroism and love to separation, longing, and the shared Chinese memory of moonlight and reunion.
Bin He said music drives the emotion of Chang’e Flies to the Moon.
Seventeen Eastern and Western instruments bring the myth to life, from Hou Yi’s heroic drums and trumpet to Chang’e and Hou Yi’s tender hulusi and saxophone, and the celestial tones of xiao, harp, and guzheng.
The production fuses live music, dance, and screen visuals into an immersive mythic world.
Director Jiangli Yu said Hou Yi Shoots the Suns opens with cracked earth, ten scorching suns, thunderous drums, and Hou Yi’s heroic entrance.
As he releases his arrow, the suns burst and fall on screen, turning legend into spectacle.
Dance Shapes · Hearts Speak
Dance carries the story across time.Jiangli Yu said Hou Yi’s powerful movement showed heroic strength and tenderness, while Chang’e’s graceful dance revealed kindness, courage, and sorrow.
As aerial Chang’e rose toward the moon through light and animation, the audience seemed to hold its breath. The Jade Rabbit added warmth and playful charm.
Time Flows · Moon Reunites
The production blends Chinese, jazz, ballet, and Latin dance, with costumes shifting from ancient dress to qipao and modern attire.
In that moment, Chang’e Flies to the Moon becomes more than legend—it becomes a shared memory of moonlight, mooncakes, and family reunion.
In the finale, Mid-Autumn Reunion, singers perform Bin He’s original song “My Thoughts of You Never Pause” Its tender melody carries Chang’e and Hou Yi’s timeless longing to the show’s emotional peak.
That evening, LEGENDS made mythology breathe again through music, light, and movement.
From Nezha’s rebirth to Chang’e and Hou Yi’s reunion, SCCCA offered a heartfelt 50th-anniversary tribute shaped by the community.
