Toes will be tapping

Thu, 05/15/2008 - 4:38pm
By: The Citizen

“Riverdance” plays farewell shows this weekend

Toes will be tapping

“Riverdance,” the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play five farewell performances at the Fox Theatre from May 16-18 as part of the Fidelity Investments Broadway Across America – Atlanta 2008 season.

“Since 1996, the success of ‘Riverdance’ in North America has gone beyond our wildest dreams,” said producer Moya Doherty. “The fact that the show continues to draw and excite audiences 13 years after its debut in Dublin is a tribute to every dancer, singer, musician, staff and crew member who have dedicated themselves to the show.”

Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, to date, “Riverdance” has played over 10,000 performances, been seen live by more than 21 million people in over 300 venues throughout 32 countries across four continents. They have traveled well over 500,000 miles, played to a worldwide television audience of nearly two billion; sold over 2.5 million copies of the Grammy Award-winning CD (certified Platinum in the U.S.) and over nine million videos making it one of the best-selling entertainment videos in the world. “Riverdance” had its world premiere at the Point Theatre, Dublin, in February 1995, where it opened to unanimous critical acclaim.

What began as a seven-minute dance segment on the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest (televised to over 300 million people in Europe) and then quickly turned into a full-scale production has become much more than an international theatrical success.

"I believe ‘Riverdance’ has been basically a pathfinder,” said Niall O’Dowd, founder of Irish America Magazine and the Irish Voice newspaper. Along with the peace process in Northern Ireland and the economic miracle in Ireland proper, the show “has been a hugely important part of a transformation of the image of Ireland in the last 20 years."

In a flash, “Riverdance” became Ireland’s greatest ambassador and the thirst began. “Riverdance” changed the face of Irish dance and, despite its imitators, has remained on top and was voted the number one Variety/Family Entertainment Show in the U.S. in 1998.

There have been many milestones along the way including the distinction of being the largest Western musical to play China; a record-breaking line of 100 Irish dancers mesmerizing 85,000 people at the 2004 Special Olympics in Dublin; a 10th anniversary celebration at Radio City Music Hall; dancing in Red Square and on the Great Wall of China and much more.

Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland in the past decade, nothing can compare to the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of “Riverdance.” An innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song, “Riverdance” draws on Irish traditions and the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music to the present day capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. This extraordinarily unique show features an international company all performing to the magic of Bill Whelan’s music.

Tickets for “Riverdance” are $25-62 and are available through authorized ticket sellers at The Fox Theatre box office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 404-817-8700. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

“Riverdance” will play at The Fox Theatre on Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 17 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

The Atlanta engagement of “Riverdance” is presented by arrangement with Broadway Across America-Atlanta. Broadway Across America-Atlanta proudly presents Broadway productions in Atlanta as a member of Broadway Across America.

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