A scene from Riverdance. Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan. Photo by Jack Hartin. Copyright Abhann Productions 2004.
Riverdance, the greatest Irish sensation since Guinness is coming to Denver, November 24-29 at the Buell Theatre. The international phenomenon which made scrappy Michael Flatley a household name and then survived and thrived without him is now on its FAREWELL tour. Hard to believe, but Riverdance has been around since 1996, and is only now just about tapped out.
Thirteen years. That's the life span of a healthy Irish Setter. But unlike any Irish Setter, Riverdance has been seen by more than 21 million people in 20,000-plus performances. It's easy to make fun of something that at one time lent itself to parody. I'm not certain, but hasn't even Robot Chicken taken a pot shot at it? Yet the sheer excitement and energy generated by the live performance blows away its detractors, or makes them look jaded, petty and snarky.
Denver audiences will have just eight more chances to see the high-stepping, velvet-clad, big-haired chorus line of dynamic dancers, kicking up their heels in various soft and hard shoe step dances of breathtaking velocity. There is also a chorus of male dancers, singers and instrumentalists, and the light show is pretty amazing as well.
People often forget that the second half of Riverdance is devoted to the immigrant experience,: the Irish contributions to and similarities with other cultural percussive dance expressions. So I can't think of a better way to treat the family to a special Thanksgiving event. If nothing else, Riverdance might inspire them to push back from the table, tear themselves away from purgatorial football games, get on their feet and MOVE.
Single tickets for Riverdance start at $20 and go on sale October 4 at www.denvercenter.org, and Monday, October 5 at 10 a.m. for phone and walk-up sales. Call 303-893-4100.
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