To celebrate SCCCA’s 50th anniversary, the original musical LEGENDS took the stage at Segerstrom Hall in Orange County on May 30.
Blending Eastern-Western 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 and director after the performance.
Myths Reawaken · 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 the Segerstrom stage, showcasing Nezha’s courage and justice while debuting Chang’e Flies to the Moon, a rich blend of storytelling, emotion, and stage artistry.
Through dialogue between an adult and a child, audiences were led on 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 Elixir of Immortality, Chang’e Flies to the Moon, Longing Beyond the Moon, 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 Combines live music, dance, and screen visuals to an immersive mythic world.
Director Jiangli Yu said Hou Yi Shoots the Suns opens with a parched earth, ten scorching suns, thunderous drums, and Hou Yi’s heroic entrance.
As he releases his arrow, nine 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, contemporary, ballet, and Latin dance, with costumes shifting from ancient dress to qipao and modern attire.
Through the show, 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 breathed life into mythology 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.
