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NEW YORK, July 8-- A kung fu musical that tells a survival story of Chinese immigrants in New York City (NYC) has been staged at the Big Apple's new landmark, Hudson Yards. The experimental musical Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise tells the story of a secret sect in Flushing, Queens, that possesses the magical power to extend human life, and the twin brother and sister caught in the struggle to control it. The production has drawn talent from around the world. It is directed by Chen Shi-Zheng and written by Kung Fu Panda's Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. It features songs by Sia remixed by Bobby Krlic and Arca, movement choreography by Akram Khan, and martial arts choreography by Zhang Jun. Fast-paced martial art sequences and contemporary and hip-hop dance movements unfold in front of, around, and above the audience in this original production designed specifically for the soaring, flexible space of The McCourt at The Shed, a newly-opened center for artistic invention in NYC. REIMAGINE KUNG FU IN 21ST CENTURY For Chen, it is important that traditional Chinese martial arts be reimagined and stay to date in the 21st-Century America. "I have been fascinated by martial arts since I was a boy - by their explosive energy, meticulous precision, and flowing movement," said Chen, who added that his passion was fueled by reading martial arts novels, including many titles from Jin Yong, one of the greatest authors of the genre. | 
