Didn’t get the chance to protest when the Olympic torch recently toured through our side of the country? Well, stand up for Chinese civil rights—or, rather, sit down for Chinese artistic expression—instead by seeing the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular. According to the producer, a non-profit Chinese-language television broadcast station in New York, the performers provide a glimpse of “true traditional” Chinese culture, which would be free to shine at home if not for the Communist Party. The show—nay, cultural revival!—is filled with more than 60 performers who sing, dance, tumble, drum, and strum their way through more than 5,000 years of heroic legends and fables. Don’t fret about any kind of political message: The atmosphere is celebratory, and the stage a kaleidoscope of color and movement. (The music blends Western orchestral elements and traditional Chinese instruments). When dozens of dollish women in costumes inspired by ancient scrolls flare their flowered fans in perfect synchronization, it’ll likely surpass anything at the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics this summer. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 467-5510, www.theparamount.com. $38-$108. 7:30 p.m. (Also: 7:30 Thurs. April 24.) SARA NIEGOWSKI

Wed., April 23, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., April 24, 7:30 p.m., 2008