|
To start your FREE subscription to the Triangle Review, click |
|
Edited and Published by Robert W. McDowell
March 2, 2023 Issue |
|
A FREE Weekly E-mail Newsletter Covering Theater, Dance, Music, and Film in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill/Carrboro Area of North Carolina Since April 2001. |
|
PART 5A: TRIANGLE THEATER REVIEW BY SUSIE POTTER |
DPAC's 25th Anniversary Tour of Riverdance Is Riveting
"Reel Round the Sun" is a highlight of Riverdance at the Durham Performing Arts Center (photo by Jack Hartin)It's hard to believe that it's been over two decades since Riverdance first took the world by storm. Since its inception, this musical celebration of Irish culture and dance has become a well-known and much-loved production; and now it's back onstage, at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), in a new and powerful way.
Abhann Productions' 25th Anniversary Tour features a re-recorded soundtrack from the legendary Bill Whelan and perfectly timed direction from John McColgan, along with incredible video backdrops courtesy of Cosmo AV, spellbinding sound (Michael O'Gorman) and lighting (Andrew Voller) effects, and, of course, the heart-pounding, can't-believe-it's-really-happening dance that is and has always been the show's hallmark.
The dance may be what catches (and keeps) the eye, but it's hard to say what stands out more: the incredible choreography or the mesmerizing music. Really, both work together, along with the high-tech effects, to produce something truly incredible. Viewers are drawn in by the fog, starry lights, smoke, and other artistic touches; but it's the sheer power of the production that keeps them hanging on the edge of their seats, watching every moment, and never wanting it to end.
"Firedance" is the fiery flamenco segment of Riverdance at the Durham Performing Arts Center (photo by Jack Hartin)Each dance in the show tells a full and enthralling story. However, the stories are really just a backdrop to the masterful dances. Some viewers may watch for deeper content, whereas others will enjoy getting lost in the peaceful scenes and the sheer joy of watching talented people do something they love and have spent countless hours perfecting.
The beauty of Riverdance is that either type of viewing is acceptable. It can be watched several times over, and watchers are sure to take away something new and wonderful every time. From hip (and hilarious) dance battles ("Trading Taps") to dreamy, romantic variations, there's truly something for everyone.
This production also does a nice job of incorporating and paying homage to other dance styles, while still holding true to its overarching aim: celebrating Irish culture. In fact, that's really what Riverdance is, a beautiful, entertaining evening of culture that's pleasing on all levels. It delights every sense, evokes new sensations, and awakens passion. Audience members will leave feeling inspired ... and wishing they could watch it all over again. And, luckily, they can, at least for a few more nights. DPAC will run Riverdance through Sunday, Feb. 26th, so, if you want to experience (or re-experience) the magic, act fast!
"Countess Cathleen" is a highlight of DPAC's Feb. 24-26 presentation of Riverdance (photo by Jack Hartin)RIVERDANCE (In Person at 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 7 Sunday, Feb. 25th and 26th), presented as part of WRAL Greatest Hits of Broadway at DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham). TRAILER/VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5geKLSLN0w and https://www.youtube.com/riverdance. WRAL GREATEST HITS OF BROADWAY AT DPAC: https://www.dpacnc.com/events/category/broadway. THE PRESENTER/VENUE: https://www.dpacnc.com/, https://www.facebook.com/DPACNC, https://www.instagram.com/DPACNC/, https://twitter.com/DPAC, and https://www.youtube.com/user/DPACLive. DIRECTIONS: https://www.dpacnc.com/plan-your-visit/directions. PARKING: https://www.dpacnc.com/plan-your-visit/parking. DPAC COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS: https://www.dpacnc.com/events/vaccination-and-covid-19-test-requirements. THE TOUR: https://riverdance.com/, https://www.facebook.com/Riverdance, https://www.instagram.com/riverdance/, https://twitter.com/riverdance, and https://www.youtube.com/riverdance. TICKETS: $29.50 and up, plus taxes and ticket fees. Click here to buy tickets. INFORMATION: 919-680-2787 or CustomerService@DPACnc.com. Joel Haas' Triangle Review Review Permalink. Susie Potter's Triangle Arts Review Review.
|
|
EDITOR'S NOTE: Susie Potter is a Raleigh, NC-based freelance writer and editor. She is a 2009 graduate of Raleigh's Meredith College, where she majored in English. She holds graduate degrees in teaching and American literature from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. She is an award-winning author of short fiction. Her works have appeared in The Colton Review, Raleigh Quarterly, Broken Plate Magazine, Big Muddy: A Journal of the Mississippi River Valley, the Chaffey Review, and Existere. To read more of Susie Potter's writings, click http://www.triangleartsreview.com/, http://www.susiepotter.com, and http://www.myspace.com/susiepotter. |
WHAT: Triangle Review is a FREE weekly e-mail performing-arts and film newsletter, edited and published by Robert W. McDowell since April 2001.
TO SUBSCRIBE: To start your FREE subscription today, sign up in the subscription box at the beginning of this e-mail; or e-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type SUBSCRIBE-TR in the Subject: line. TO UNSUBSCRIBE: E-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type UNSUBSCRIBE-TR in the Subject: line.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? E-mail all questions, comments, and Letters to the Editor to RobertM748@aol.com. For Letters to the Editor, please include a daytime telephone number in your e-mail.
COPYRIGHT: Editorial content in all formats © 2023 Triangle Review and the author of each article. Reproduction in any form without authorization of Triangle Review and the respective authors is prohibited. Triangle Review maintains an archive of past issues. To request copies of past articles and/or issues, e-mail RobertM748@aol.com.
