Celtic Thunder Mythology Tour
Friday, October 18, 2013 
At the Chicago Theatre
Celtic Thunder offers a brand new show “Mythology”, which tells the history of the Celtic People, their legends, culture and stories. Mythology recounts the heritage of modern-day Celts and the influences from their Celtic past which make them who they are today. This Celtic heritage is aptly explained in the first line of the opening number “Voices” which was written for Mythology by Musical Director David Munro and songwriter Brendan Graham – “Voices call from the old days, Voices tell from the past, Ancient laws and ancient old ways to recast.”
Celtic Thunder returned to Chicago theatre last Friday,October 18, 2013. The show was a well polished, nicely sung and tightly produced concert that played to a packed house.. For those new to the group, Celtic Thunder is an Irish import musical show performed by six accomplished Irish and Scottish vocalists (George Donaldson, Neil Byrne, Ryan Kelly, Keith Harkin, Colm Keegan, and Emmet Cahill). It is filled with both ensemble and solo numbers, and backed by the tuneful Celtic Thunder Band. They are talented, amazing, handsome, and put on a truly enjoyable show.
The ensemble numbers were most enjoyable. Rocky Road to Dublin, usually my favorite group song, kicked off the second half of the evening with amazing energy. It’s fast paced and it’s just exciting to watch and listen to. The Boys Are Back in Town, performed by Ryan, Keith, Neil and Emmet, was really a lot of fun. Theses guys are fans favorites in Chicago.
These talented guys blend a mixture of traditional and contemporary Irish tunes with some rock and blues tunes thrown=in. The are at their best when they do traditional Irish folk songs. Here is the song list:
1. Voices
2. Isle of Inisfree
3. Carolina Rua
4. Carrickfergus
5. Hoe Down
6. Katie
7. The Star of County Down
8. The Grand Affair
9. Summer In Dublin
10. Tears of Hercules
11. Scarlet Ribbons
12. Hunter’s Moon
13. She Moved Through The Fair
14. The Sound of Silence
15. Dearg Doom
16. The Rocky Road To Dublin
17. The House of The Rising Sun
18. Turning Away
19. Danny Boy
20. The Edge of The Moon
21. Seven Drunken Nights
22. Perfect
23. Always There
24. Rock N’ Roll Kids
25. A Man of Constant Sorrow
26. The Thunder Rolls
27. The Boys Are Back In Town
28. Life With You
29. Now We Are Free
30. The Lonesome Boatman and Reels
31. My Land
Their performance was spirited, energetic and polished. They seem to be having as much fun as the audience. I was amazed that on the 31st night of a 60 city tour, the guys still were aiming to please. Kudos to their professionalism. Remember to catch them next year as Chicago is an important stop for these cool Irish guys.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2013