As moonlight filled the stage and the applause slowly faded, the echoes of LEGENDS: Chang’e Flies to the Moon continued to linger in the hearts of the audience.
Through music, dance, martial arts, aerial artistry, stage technology, and nearly 200 performers, LEGENDS transformed the love, separation, devotion, and longing of Hou Yi and Chang’e into a timeless cultural poem.
From ages 4 to 93, from Chinese American families to non-Chinese audiences, from three-generation families to first-time viewers, many were deeply moved.
Some admired the East-West fusion; others were moved by young performers’ confidence, moonlit memories, and heartfelt poetry.
These echoes remind us that culture is not a distant legend, but something we see, hear, remember, and pass on.
LEGENDS left more than a performance; it gave us a shared memory of love, heritage, and togetherness.
LEGENDS Artistic Director Jiangli Yu:
Every chapter exceeded expectations. What moved me most was seeing every performer give their all—through illness, stress, and exhaustion—and still deliver their best on stage.
With every performer, light, projection, and movement coming together live, LEGENDS was a tremendous challenge. But the team overcame it all. “We did it!”
Han shuo Song, who portrayed Hou Yi :
As a Chinese performer, I hope my performance in the U.S. helps audiences of all backgrounds see ancient myths in a more artistic and contemporary way.
LEGENDS is a powerful celebration of diversity, innovation, and fusion—bringing Chinese tradition to life with fresh energy and emotional impact.
Hoag Foundation President Caroline Pereira :
This is my first time attending LEGENDS, and I’m very excited. I had heard about it from friends, so being here to enjoy the performance together is truly special.
LEGENDS is important to Hoag because we share the same values: Hoag celebrates culture and community, and so does LEGENDS. As a hospital serving the community, we are proud to support it.
Jessica Miley, Senior Vice President of Rady Children’s Hospital O.C.:
We are honored to support LEGENDS in Orange County. Seeing performers of all ages share Chinese culture through music, movement, and storytelling was truly meaningful.
In such a diverse community, LEGENDS helps cultures be seen, understood, and celebrated. It was deeply moving.
Ted Nguyen, Public Communications Manager, OC Transportation Authority :
LEGENDS was powerful, moving, and visually stunning. As a Vietnamese American, I felt a deep cultural connection in the story.
It brings generations together, keeps tradition alive, and reminds us that heritage is a gift from our ancestors—one that connects the past, enriches the present, and builds bridges for the future.
Alan Jacobson, father of aerial performer Tyler Jacobson:
Watching my son perform in LEGENDS was truly meaningful. I had seen bits of costumes and props at home, but seeing everything come together on stage was deeply impressive.
With Canadian, American, and Norwegian roots, I understand the importance of cultural heritage and identity. I’m grateful that LEGENDS inspired my son to explore his own cultural background and traditions.
Jerry Zhang, Co-President of the Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association:
LEGENDS blends Eastern and Western music, dance, martial arts, aerial performance, and stage technology, bringing ancient mythology to life for today’s audiences.
It is more than a performance; it shows the vitality of Chinese culture being preserved and renewed overseas.
Ann Hwu, Co-President of the Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association:
What makes LEGENDS especially meaningful is that it brings generations together on stage and invites audiences of all backgrounds into Chinese culture.
From myth to stage, it honors tradition while adding fresh artistic imagination—turning cultural heritage into something people can see, hear, and feel.
Tianlong Jiao, Deputy Director of Bowers Museum:
LEGENDS creatively reimagines Chinese history and mythology through musical theater, using a fresh visual language to bring familiar stories to today’s audiences.
By blending music, dance, stage technology, and performers of all ages, it preserves culture, engages the community, and helps non-Chinese audiences connect with the beauty and meaning of Chinese traditions.
Yiping Jia, Founder of Time Theater:
This year’s LEGENDS centers on Chang’e Flies to the Moon, beautifully weaving together moon imagery, acrobatics, dance, and dragon elements to showcase Chinese culture through rich artistic forms.
The moon-flight scene between the two leads was especially memorable—technically challenging, fresh, and full of creative breakthroughs. Even after seeing LEGENDS for three consecutive years, I was still surprised on a new level.
Xiaoyan Dong , Co-founder of Time Theater:：
Today, many young people rarely attend events with their parents, so having our daughter join us for LEGENDS made it especially meaningful.
We are grateful to the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center for creating this powerful production, keeping Chinese values, virtues, and stories alive on stage.
Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu:
LEGENDS brings beloved Chinese folk tales back to life, rekindling childhood memories while sharing the beauty of Chinese culture with future generations and diverse communities.
Erin Halle, Councilmember Melinda Liu’s daughter:
The most moving moment in LEGENDS was Chang’e and Hou Yi gazing at each other from heaven and earth—their love and longing turning a mythical farewell into a deeply human story.
Watching LEGENDS with my grandmother, mother, and sister made it more than a performance—it became a precious family moment of culture, memory, and love.
Teresa Sun, UCI Professor Emerita:
LEGENDS is fast-paced and powerful, with dynamic martial arts that instantly energize the audience—especially younger viewers.
Blending Chinese and Western sounds, the music bridged tradition and modernity. With soaring dragons, grace, and strength, LEGENDS revealed the beauty and vitality of Chinese culture.
James Dee, CALA OC President :
Watching LEGENDS with my wife and four-year-old daughter was deeply moving. Stories I once told her at home came alive on stage through music, dance, light, and color.
My daughter was especially captivated by Chang’e Flying to the Moon. That is the power of LEGENDS: turning ancient myths into cultural memories children can see, feel, and remember.
Amy Chen, Former President of CALA OC:
LEGENDS is entertaining, engaging, and educational, and she felt proud to see the community create such an outstanding production.
I especially loved the live music and praised LEGENDS as a bridge to share Chinese culture with broader audiences.
Its universal themes of justice, peace, and love feel especially meaningful today.
Tony Young, President of the Orange County Chinese Chamber of Commerce:
The most moving moments were the dances of Chang’e and Hou Yi, paired with a powerful symphony that brought the myth vividly to life through music and movement.
Told in English, LEGENDS blends Chinese culture, dance, and symphonic music, creating a beautiful East-meets-West experience that brings Chinese stories closer to mainstream audiences.