When it opens tonight at the Buell, Tang Concubines forgoes the song-and-dance routine of the typical Broadway show. Instead, the musical combines martial arts, gymnastics, and award-winning ballet for a new genre of theater, the action musical. The story, written, directed, and produced by Denver resident Dr. Dennis Law (Terracotta Warriors and Heaven & Earth), follows two Chinese women as they fight for an emperor's love and the chance to rule the Tang dynasty. And in the dramatic action-musical style, the tale comes to life with lavish kimono costumes, a colorful palace setting, and acrobatics on par with those of Cirque du Soleil. Apr 7-19. Tue-Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Buell Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St., 303-893-4100 $20-$90 Photo by Dr. Dennis Law