Review of Riverdance: The 20th Anniversary World Tour
Elizabith Costey ‘16/ Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Returning after four years, Riverdance is once again entertaining audiences across North America with its 20th Anniversary Word Tour. In its twenty years of existence, Riverdance has performed 11,000 shows, has been seen live by over 25 million people in over 465 venues worldwide, and has performed in 46 countries across 6 continents. Riverdance is an international sensation, and for good reason.
There is no comparison for Riverdance. With ceaseless energy, unparalleled precision, and beautiful storytelling, Riverdance expounds pieces of Irish history and lore through Ireland’s rich dance and musical tradition. What is perhaps most intriguing about Riverdance is all the varied scenes and performances within the show. Not only are there the infamous Irish step dancers, but there are also excellent musicians, singers, Russian folk dancers, American tap dancers, and a flamenco dancer. The scenes are diverse and eclectic, but riveting none the less.
The show opens with a piper and singer, standing ankle deep in fog. As his melody fades, the Irish step dancers march on stage- shoulders back, chins raised, footing exact. The audience watches the opening number, expectations high. They are not disappointed. The dancers are unbelievably synchronized and precise. The taps of their hard shoes resound throughout the theater, definite and clear-cut. The sounds of the dancers’ steps are as melodic as the beats the musicians play. The melodic sounds from the musicians, singers, and dancers alone are enough to enthrall audiences. One doesn’t need to see the performance to enjoy it.
That’s not to say the visuals aren’t stunning. The sound may be the best part (in this writer’s view), but the sight is certainly spectacular. The costumes are beautiful, the movements are powerful, and this time around, Riverdance is introducing a new Irish step scene. Act II now boasts an all female piece called, “Anna Livia”. With its strong beats and quick choreography, this piece is more aggressive and powerful than the women’s other pieces. “Anna Livia” is brief, but splendidly done. The strength and precision in both the women’s movements and taps easily impresses the audience, garnering raucous applause at the climax and end of the scene.
While all of the performers are a pleasure to watch, Jason O’Neill, tonight’s Riverdance male Irish dance principal, steals the show. Not only is he an exceptional Irish step dancer, but O’Neill’s charming smile and enthusiasm instantly win over his audience. This is especially true of his performance in Act II, Scene 3, “Trading Taps”, where a ‘tap versus step’ battle takes place between two New York Tappers and three Irish Step Dancers. It’s difficult to say who won, but the battle was easily a crowd favorite. The performers laughed and teased each other, all while showing off and admiring each other’s skills. Not only was the tapping wildly impressive on both sides, but the piece was also extremely fun to watch.
As the show came to a close the performers of Riverdance’s 20th Anniversary World Tour were rewarded with a well earned standing ovation. Riverdance has been an audience favorite for twenty years, and will likely continue to be a crowd pleaser for many more.