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Riverdance 20 National Tour

Tom Williams

Composer Bill WhelanRiverdance_640x79

Director John McColgan

Produced by Broadway in Chicago

At the Palace Theater, Chicago

Pulsating rhythms soar in dance spectacular

The 20 year phenomena, Riverdance, hasn’t lost its energy as people can’t seem to get enough of the Irish step dancing set to a haunting, rhythmic original score of Irish influenced folk music. Bill Whelan, Moya Doherty and John McColgan created a show that has revolutionized ethnic dance show rendering them appealing to general audiences. Anyone who loves dance and toe-tapping rhythms will love Riverdance. It is much more than a Irish dance concert. It is a multi-ethnic show featuring Irish step- dancing taken to an astonishingly polished and zestful level. It has Flamenco (Spanish) dance as well as Russian dance and American Tap by two deft African-American hoofers.

This amazingly high energy show is a show case for young artists—dancers and musicals and singers. Featuring melody harmonies from the singers and terrific music solos from Uilleann pipes, saxophone and fiddle, Riverdance wins us with its unique sounds, stellar lighting and, of course, the mesmerizing  Irish step dances. The disciplined movements and super-quick toe taps performed at high speed unison mark Riverdance. You’ll be thrilled at the talent and spirit of these youthful performers. They radiate positive energy and high spirit while they have a ball entertaining us. Riverdance is a family friendly show that will lift your spirits and leave us smiling and satisfied. My fourth time seeing Riverdance left me respecting the quality control from the producers. The show still sends a jolt of joy into my soul. The opening night audience wildly cheered. That happens every night  around the world as the three companies of Riverdance click their collective heals in pulsating rhythms. Discover once again the thunderous celebration of sang, dance and joyful music that has thrilled over 22 million people. I could see Riverdance a few times more.

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

At the Palace Theater, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL, www.broadwayinchicago.com 800-775-2000, tickets $30 – $90. Wed Apr 6 at 2 & 7;30, Thurs. Apr 7 at 7:30, Friday, April 8 at 7:30, Sat. Apr 9 2 & 8, Sunday. Apr 10 at 2pm, running time is 2 hours 10 minutes with intermission, thru April 10, 2016