The audience were on their feet a lot during this production and most deservedly so. The choreography is incredible. Men and women flying across the stage, women linking hands to do a stiff armed chorus line where nothing moves except their legs and feet and those appendages are a blur of precision. The singers are equally polished and wonderful, ethereal harmonies abound.
The band is comprised of only 5 musicians, but their talent is relentless as each of them resonates powerful and rich music through multiple instruments. Much credit should be given to Declan Masterson, as musical director for the show…. Last but not least, Mark Alfred is at the helm of the percussion section and takes over the stage as he plays every drum, symbol and chime. His drum kit seems endless as sound after sound emanates from his side of the stage. He also has an incredible solo session with the Bodhrán, a round Irish frame drum, where you wouldn’t believe the magnitude and range of sound that comes out of it.
Julian Erskine, the Irish senior executive producer of the musical sensation Riverdance, knows he’s done a good job if people dance out of the theater after a performance.
That was how he felt when he came to China with Riverdance.
Riverdance performs at NYE Dublin, Dublin’s first official New Year’s festival which took place over the course of 3 days from 30 December 2011 to 1 January 2012 in Dublin’s City Centre.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2011 in Dublin’s first official NYE Dublin Countdown Concert!
The city centre will be buzzing as we bring the music straight to you with a host of world class Irish acts taking to the College Green stage. Headliners include the iconic Riverdance, newcomer Bressie, renowned singers Paul Brady and Damien Dempsey and The Coronas. With many more exciting acts to be announced, this concert is sure to be the highlight of the NYE Dublin festival so be sure to get your ticket today!
“watch the feet – 95 percent of this happens from the waist down. The dancers actually play music with their feet”
“Look at the musicians. There is not a sheet of music anywhere. We’ve always insisted that is be treated like a ceili — a party.
“Its not a performance. It’s not a sort of masque. It’s live. It’s organic. It’s an event powered by pride.”