By Suzanne Reese
Billed as the top-selling dance show in the world, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance–Dangerous Games delivered a heart-pounding performance that brought the audience at Eccles Theater to its feet. Flatley, who is producer, creator, and choreographer, created the show that is now on a world-tour in 1996. He played the main character, Lord of the Dance, until his retirement 2 years ago. His replacement, James Keegan, is every bit his prodigy, with similar dance style and almost the same level of cockiness. He almost makes the audience forget what they are missing, until a reminder at the end with a video of Flatley doing a jaw-dropping tap-dance number, Fred Astaire style. Despite the absence of Flatley from the stage, the show is filled with enough excitement and talent to leave audience members with sore hands from all the clapping.
One of the aspects of this show that distinguishes it from other dance productions is that there is such a strong story arc. Instead of just a string of dance numbers, as one might expect, the production tells a story of good vs. evil. Set in a fantastical version of Ireland, complete with unicorns and butterflies, we are taken into a dream of a spry and cute Little Spirit, with Lord of the Dance representing good, and his antagonist Don Dorcha, a robot-character, representing evil. Dance numbers alternate from fantastical to dark and fiery as the two worlds battle for control. The story seems to really pick up after intermission when a seductress is introduced, who steals the ‘Lord of the Dance’ belt and delivers it to Don Dorcha. There is a final face-off between the two entities.
Having the story to follow adds another layer of depth to the performance that adds appeal to all types of audiences, even those that don’t typically enjoy dance productions. The audience is asked at the beginning to put away their cell phones and just immerse themselves in the performance. They also did not provide printed programs for this performance, which was surprisingly helpful in “forgetting” everything but the show. The one thing I found a bit interesting and maybe even comical, was that the one element that turns the table for good in several “battles” is the removal of clothes–the men pull their shirts off and suddenly–they win!
The dancing is everything one has come to expect from Flatley’s troupe, with precise movements and shoe taps so concise they sound like they are part of the sound-track. The music (Gerard Fahy) is a key element of the storyline that carries both intensity and whimsy. The choreography strays from traditional Irish-dancing with antics by the Little Spirit, a few vocal ballads, and an absolutely impressive dancing violin duet. Of course, a stage filled with robots is far removed from traditional Irish dance, which is a fun-filled twist for all but the Irish dance purists.
The technology part of the show almost makes it unfair to just call it a dance performance. In addition to plenty of pyrotechnics, there is a screen that projects images that represent good vs. evil, with the added touch of a netted curtain in front that gives almost a virtual 3-D effect when performers stand inside the netting.
Other cast members include Matthew Smith, Fergal Keaney, Cathal Keaney, and Andras Kren.
Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games is on world-tour, with just one stop in Salt Lake. If you get the opportunity to see it, you should get yourself there. Your tapping toes will thank you.
Broadway at the Eccles presents Michael Flatley’ Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games
Delta Hall at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, 131 S. Main Street, SLC, UT 84111
October 30, 2018
Tickets: $55 to $75
Contact: 385-468-1030, events@artsaltlake.org
Broadway at the Eccles Facebook Page
Lord of the Dance Facebook Event
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