Review: Soul of Shaolin

Kung Fu Musical is a Kick

By Lauren Yarger
Chinese martial arts performed to music by a cast of 30 bring the first production from the People’s Republic of China to a Broadway stage in Soul of Shaolin, playing at the Marquis Theater through Jan. 31.

The story, told entirely through movement, except for a few brief narrations to move the plot along, follows Hui Guang (played at different ages by Yu Fei, Dong Yingbo and Wang Sen), separated from his mother during war when he was a baby, raised by the monks at Saholin temple and trained in the disciplines of martial arts by master Na Luo (Zhang Zhigang). His mother, (played by Wang Yazhi and Li Lin) never gives up searching for her son, carrying with her a piece of broken jade that matches one she left with him for identification. For mother and son to be reunited, Hui Gang must prove his mastery of Kung Fu to leave the temple.


The production, directed and choreographed by Liu Tongbiao isn’t your typical Broadway production. It uses recorded music (by Zhou Chenglong) and sets (Xie Tongmiao) that bring to mind tours for school assemblies, but the action is non-stop with tumbling, rolling performers and noise making weapons amidst demonstrations of special skills, including some flips from head to feet and a man suspended by spears, that are sure to keep children entertained. Huang Gengying designed the colorful costumes and Jiao Hongbo is the chief martial art director. The curtain call is especially thrilling.

Check out a video here.

Christians might also like to know:
While publicity information indicates that the show incorporates Buddhist meditation and principles, this isn’t overtly part of the story.