Riverdance, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way around the globe, will play five farewell performances at Shea’s Performing Arts Center beginning Friday.
“Since 1996, the success of Riverdance in North America has gone beyond our wildest dreams,” said producer Moya Doherty. “The fact that the show continues to draw and excite audiences 14 years after its debut in Dublin is a tribute to every dancer, singer, musician, staff and crew member who have dedicated themselves to the show.”
Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, Riverdance has played over 10,000 performances, been seen live by more than 22 million people in over 350 venues throughout 40 countries across four continents. They have traveled over 600,000 miles, played to a worldwide television audience of two billion; sold over three million copies of the Grammy Award-winning CD and over 10 million videos. Riverdance had its world premiere at the Point Theatre, Dublin in February 1995, where it opened to critical acclaim.
What began as a seven-minute dance segment on the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest (televised to over 300 million people in Europe) and then quickly turned into a full-scale production, has become much more than an international theatrical success.
“I believe Riverdance has been basically a pathfinder,” said Niall O’Dowd, founder of Irish America Magazine and the Irish Voice newspaper. Along with the peace process in Northern Ireland and the economic miracle in Ireland proper, the show “has been a hugely important part of a transformation of the image of Ireland in the last 20 years.”
Riverdance helped change the face of Irish dance and was voted the top variety/family entertainment show in the US in 1998.
There have been many milestones along the way including the distinction of being the largest Western musical to play China, a record-breaking line of 100 Irish dancers entertaining 85,000 people at the 2004 Special Olympics in Dublin, a 10th Anniversary celebration at Radio City Music Hall and a performance in Red Square and on the Great Wall of China, among other performances.
Riverdance at Shea’s
Performances are scheduled for:
• 8 p.m. Friday
• 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
• 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets for Riverdance are on sale for $34.50, $49.50 and $59.50 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Shea’s Ticket Office, 650 Main St., Buffalo.
Night & Day
N&D: Riverdance to give farewell performance at Shea’s
- Night & Day
-
-
VIDEO: Penguin Love at the Aquarium of Niagara
Step inside the penguin exhibit to get a preview of the romantic event!
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Wet and wild love stories at the Aquarium focus of new event
Her name is Pi and while she’s just a teenager, she's already divorced from Tux. Not to worry: She found a new, younger partner named Chile, who is 13 years her junior.
-
Castellani goes back to nature with Betsy Potter
For artist Betsy Potter, a native Western New Yorker, the survival of the natural world is paramount.
-
Tick ... tick ... tick ... for one ‘Valiant’ hour
The clock is ticking for the Theatre in the Mist production company.
As rehearsals unfold for “The Valiant,” opening Friday at Stella Niagara in Lewiston, the director keeps one eye on her cast and the other on her watch. -
NACC seeks sponsors for black history events
Sponsors are being sought for a local Black History Month performance celebrating contributions African-Americans have made to the nation.
-
Open auditions for Artpark’s upcoming Broadway musical
Auditions for the upcoming Artpark production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” will be held from 3-7 p.m. Feb. 11 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 12 at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts studios.
-
A search for Miss Niagara! Contest returns Saturday — with special guest!
Here she comes — Miss Niagara. And Miss New York as well!
Miss Niagara contest organizers received news this week that Miss New York, the recent second runner up in the recent Miss American pageant, has agreed to perform at a Miss Niagara pageant being held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Lockport. -
Local sounds focus of Broadway Joe’s show
On Saturday, Broadway Joe’s will be hosting a night of local sounds as Cowboys of Scotland, Canary Girls, and Jupiter Jefferson will perform in an all-original, all-Buffalo night of alternative music.
-
Kenan hosting inaugural Niagara Wine and Beer Fest
The Kenan Center in Lockport presents the first-ever Niagara Wine and Beer Fest from 5-9 p.m. Saturday at the Kenan Center Arena, 195 Beattie Ave. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Kenan Center and its diverse arts, education, and recreation programs.
- More Night & Day Headlines
-
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Paul Suffers Narrow Loss to Romney in Maine
Recording Superstar Whitney Houston Dead at 48
Maine GOP Chairman Says Romney Wins Caucuses
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
