For the first time in its 30-year history, Riverdance has been infused with an entirely new generation of talent, including the global sensation brother/sister act Fergus and Anna Mai Fitzpatrick.
With a cast of dancers not even born when Riverdance roared onto the world stage in 1994, Riverdance 30 – The New Generation comes to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for three nights only, May 15 – 17.
Riverdance began as a seven-minute interval performance during the Eurovision Song Contest on April 30, 1994, held in Dublin.
Composer Bill Whelan, producer Moya Doherty, and director John McColgan conceived the upstart performance. The piece starred Jean Butler and Michael Flatley as lead dancers, backed by the Irish choral group Anúna and Whelan’s newly composed score. The audience response was extraordinary, including a standing ovation that many described as one of the most electric moments in Eurovision history.
From those humble beginnings, the Riverdance franchise was created. The originators are still behind the curtain as the new show was composed by Whelan, produced by Doherty, and directed by McColgan.
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances have left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance that blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class dancers, musicians, and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.
In addition, modern projection measures and a four-piece band make the entire experience bigger than life, says Irish dancing sensation Fergus Fitzpatrick in an interview with ENE.
Fitzpatrick and his sister, Anna Mai, have both been with the show for nine years, and they are the lead male and female dancers.
“Every night is opening night,” said Fitzpatrick, or as the Hollywood Reporter put it, “The sort of spectacle and experience that comes along once in a lifetime.”
“There’s something in the show for everyone,” said Fitzpatrick. “Even if you don’t know what Irish dancing is, or you’ve never been to Ireland before, there’s something relatable to everybody that touches people’s hearts when on stage,” he said.
“I always remember that it’s like we’re all together, learning and exploring each other’s cultures, but while staying true to the magical Riverdance,” he added.
“What I’m feeling in my heart changes from number to number,” he said, “because of the feeling that you give to it. But overall, I would say it’s just pure joy. I mean, I love what I do so much. I’m so blessed and grateful that I get to do this as my job. And I think everybody up on that stage agrees. You know, we’re just so blessed and grateful to be up there,” said Fitzpatrick on a Zoom call from his Irish home in Meath.
While touring is a grueling endeavor, “it never, ever gets old,” he said.
Fitzpatrick said while the show has been updated for a new experience, there is sufficient roots for everyone to be on their feet in the theater.
“Our director, John McColgan, our producer Moya Doherty, and composer Bill Whelan have done an incredible job of updating this show with technology. They’ve updated the set, the costumes, and the numbers, yet they’ve done a really, really incredible job of keeping it alive and modern and fresh for new audiences, no matter where we go,” he said.
McColgan, the Director of Riverdance, said in a statement that it is a delight to still be at the helm of this global entertainment phenomenon.
“It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on,” said McColgan.
“In those 30 years, the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon while continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots,” he said.
The three-day stop in Costa Mesa comes as part of a 67-city tour.
Since its inception, Riverdance has been seen by over 31 million people in 51 countries and the Riverdance family hasn’t stopped growing since that first performance as the interval act at the Eurovision Song contest in 1994.? Since then, the show has played over 16,000 performances and featured 1,500 Irish dancers. The various casts of the hit Irish dance show Riverdance have produced 74 marriages and 136 “Riverdance babies” – many of whom have now performed in the show.
Fitzpatrick said among his greatest moments during Riverdance is watching his sister, Anna Mai, “work so hard” to finally become the lead female dancer.
“One particular moment that I always go back to is the first time that my sister Anna Mai got to perform the lead role,” he said.
“It was in Montreal, and it was an incredible moment for me, because I was so proud of her and everything that she’s accomplished. And it brought me to tears, and I’m so happy for her, and I knew how much she wanted it and how hard she had to work, that’s a highlight for me.”
The New Generation, with its crop of up-and-coming stars, will take the local stage on May 15.
Tickets for RIVERDANCE 30 starting at $44, are available for purchase online at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and by phone at 714-556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts of 10 or more, call the Group Services offices at 714-755-0236.