Front Row Reviewers

Riverdance 20 at the Eccles Will Make You Want to Get Up and Dance

Front Row Reviewers

Front Row Reviewers

By Mary Brassard

Riverdance 20 is playing right now at The Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City and you need to be here! I watched in awe the entire time, and my new life goal is to be a dancer with Riverdance. When you are enjoying a show so much, you want to run up on stage and actually join them, it really is a special event. Watching Riverdance 20 at the Eccles was that special for me.

On my way to the theater, I wondered what it would be like. Of course, I have heard of Riverdance, and seen the iconic image, the line of Irish dancers connected by their hands, their feet pounding in perfect synch against the stage. So I knew basically what Riverdance was…or so I thought. Riverdance is so much more.

From the beginning of the show, there are surprises. It begins with a beautiful Celtic singer transporting us to foggy Ireland. The dancers enter, and the excitement swells. They dance with such precision and they make it look so easy, but you know how hard it really must be. We are quickly introduced (through dance introduction, no words needed here) to The Riverdance Irish dance principles. Male principal dancer, and female principal dancer. The female principle is serious and dramatic, and dances with intensity in her face and arms. I felt she was compelling me to heed her dance. Male dancer was one of my favorites. His smile and engaging eyes held my attention all through the night. He is tall and slender and he seems very nimble and even weightless at times. These two are often featured as the lead to any given dance, but each member of the Irish Dance Troupe seems perfectly on point, and very engaging.

Next came the Russian Folk Troupe and they are stunning. They perform several numbers throughout the night, and always left me wanting more. Their acrobats and tricks had the audience cheering with thunderous applause.

My personal favorite part of the night was the number titled Trading Taps. The Male principal dancer has a dance off with the American Tappers, Lamont Brown and Tyler Knowlin. Two jazzy tap dancers that ooze personality. One particularly would look at the crowd and playfully tease the Riverdance lead about his buttoned up moves. They took turns showing off their flashiest moves and most impressive endurance pieces. They had the audience involved, and it was fantastically exciting.

 

Like I said, Riverdance is full of surprises. A Flamenco dancer, several numbers by different musicians and singers, and more. The night never drags on, I was never bored for even a moment. Riverdance 20 is even more exciting than I ever imagined. And while I was thrilled by all the elements I didn’t expect, the classic Riverdance numbers that shine with Irish heritage, Are more than I even dreamed. My heart was pounding while they clicked and clogged around the stage. 20 or so dancers in an army of perfect choreography powering the stage with foot power.

Oh, and I would be making a huge mistake not to mention the drummer. Mark Alfred (also the Musical Director) is worth the ticket price alone. He and three other musicians (Ceildh Briscoe on fiddle, Emma Frampton on saxophone, and Tara Howley on Uilleann pipes), perform on stage next to or behind the dancers throughout the night. Alfred looked like he was having so much fun, I think they should be charging him for a ticket. I was swept up in his enjoyment, and it made me enjoy it even more. He also has a featured solo number that is incredible. He flies around the stage pounding on a bodhrán, and his boundless energy and blaring rhythmic percussion fills the crowd with breathless excitement. I truly loved watching him, and I don’t believe I’ll ever see anything quite like him again.
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The Eccles Theater is a perfect setting for this show. An amazing jaw dropping performance in an amazing jaw dropping space. The theater is well lit, painted with inviting warm colors and modern aesthetics. I was amazed at the sheer hugeness of the venue. Mezzanine levels reaching up several stories. The seats were very roomy and comfortable, my six-foot husband mentioned his appreciation for that several times. There are lots of options for parking and it’s easy to get to. I am grateful to have such a wonderful theater bringing us Broadway shows, and once in a lifetime touring shows like Riverdance 20. The Eccles Theater is truly a gem for Salt Lake City.

I knew I wanted to see Riverdance 20, but I didn’t truly know why. I am hooked. All the different variations of dance. Number after number of something musical and exciting. The truth is, I will never be able to join Riverdance. My age and knees prevent me. So I’ll just have to play Riverdance videos in my house on repeat, put my kids into dance lessons and push them into a life of Irish clogging. I’ll settle for being a Riverdance stage mom. Get tickets to see Riverdance 20 at The Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. You will never ever forget it.

Broadway at the Eccles presents Riverdance 20
Delta Hall at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, 131 S. Main Street, SLC, UT 84111
April 3-8, 2018 7:30 PM
Tickets: from $25
Contact: 385-468-1030, events@artsaltlake.org
The Eccles Facebook Page
Riverdance 20 Facebook Event

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