(Clearwisdom.net) The NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular is scheduled to begin this upcoming Saturday (March 3) in the Auditorium Theater, Chicago, the third largest city in the United States. Chicago’s two performances have attracted much attention as the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to interfere with the shows was exposed.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on March 1 that the Chinese government [Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime] has been at odds with the producers of the show "celebrating China's cultural traditions."

The article says that the show features dancers, singers, musicians, colorful costumes and elaborate settings.

According to the Sun-Times report, Sound of Hope Radio, which supports the Chicago shows, said that "Chinese officials have been jamming phone lines to prevent people from buying tickets to the event."

Yi Liu, general manager for Sound of Hope Radio says, "We traced the calls and they all had a country code of 86, which is the code for China." Liu says that her group believes the calls are part of a state-sponsored attempt at intimidation.

"Honestly," she says, "I think the only reason we are of concern to the Chinese government [Chinese Communist regime] is because our show has been so successful."

The Chicago Sun-Times, WMAQ-Channel 5, Telemundo, Comcast and Chicago Public Radio are media sponsors.

The 2007 Chinese New Year Spectacular is to be presented at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 3 at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets prices range from $28 to $128. Hotline: (312) 902-1500.