REVIEW: ‘Riverdance’s 30th Anniversary: The New Generation’ combines mesmerizing visuals and fancy footwork to a show stopping rhythm
‘Tall and straight my mother taught me. This is how we dance.’
Flourishing Celtic landscapes, glimmering international city sidewalks, star studded cosmic atmospheres, and mystical seaside sunsets as well as a journey frolicking through roaring fire, threatening lightening, and changing seasons are just a few of the spectacular settings that unfold through driving rhythms while integrating other forms of captivating dance along the way. Accompanied by a partial onstage orchestra, Riverdance is as innovate and imaginative as ever marking three decades of sparkling toe tapping zeal and ethereal vocals with memorably dramatic flair.
Audaciously directed by John McColgan and composed by Bill Whelan, Riverdance 30th Anniversary: The New Generation was live and in person at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, April 13, but continues on its national tour all over the country. The show is approximately two hours including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Whether battling the elements or showing off their skillful steps, Fergus Kirkpatrick and Olivia Nachtigal are among the leads in this enthusiastic and daring dance troupe as drummer Mark Alfred, fiddler Haley Richardson, saxophonist Emma McPhilemy, and Cathal Croke on Uilleann Pipes with Michael O’Gorman’s immersive sound design combine to deliver a mix of modern and traditional Irish works through Ireland and beyond.
Whether performing solo or playfully challenging other band members and the dancers, these harmonious instrumentalists set the varying tone from serene ballads to rhythmic beats. Richly narrated with Celtic history and poetry as angelic vocals lift, Riverdance has a unique way of building excitement through razor sharp Ceili formations and urgent melodies. Adorned regally in silvery tiaras, detailed velvet flowing dresses, tailored shirts vests and tights by Joan Bergin, the dancers exude confidence exacted in heads held high and the militant precision of their movements gathering in rows, circles and two hand reels.
In Firedance, Rosio Dusmet commands the stage swirling in a shimmering red gown as fire surrounds her and the flames progressively turn blue to a driving beat. Adventurous, freeing and empowering, Dusmet’s amazing performance is equal parts grace, athleticism, and charisma flowing through the scene.
Alan Farquharson’s fantastical and compelling set design with innovative motion graphics by Cosmo AV and Andrew Voller’s stellar lighting in scrupulous perfection enhance tappers Darmesh Patel and Kenji Igus who perform to rollicking rhythms in street clothes with Fergus Kirkpatrick showing off their skills under the bright city lights. In Trading Taps, they all demonstrate fantastic footwork with charm and exuberance to rousing applause and stands as a particular highlight of this production.
Through a variety of dynamic rhythms, Riverdance’s 30th Anniversary: The New Generation is a whimsical, thrilling and visually splendid journey steeped in Celtic charm while integrating other forms of dance that keeps it refreshing and imaginative. Having seen it for the first time and watching it with someone who has witnessed it since Riverdance began, it remains a joyous and impressive experience for the whole family.
Riverdance 30th Anniversary: The New Generation was live and in person at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, April 13, but continues on its national tour all over the country. The show is approximately two hours including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
