Riverdance: The Show (1995)
Riverdance--The Show is a cultural phenomenon that defies criticism for the enthusiastic and leaves everyone else scratching their heads. The wonderfully talented cast, headed by the Riverdance Irish Dance Company, bewitchingly spins (and stomps) its Celtic folk choreography featuring numerous breathless solos by Michael Flatley (since departed) and Jean Butler. The mellifluous Riverdance Orchestra boasts Davy Spillane, who coaxes plaintive lamentations out of a peculiar instrument that resembles a bagpipe in a metal leg brace. For Enya fans, there is the sound-alike choral group Anuna, who casts a similarly New Age-style vocal spell. Also thrown into the mix are such disparate folk traditions as American gospel and Spanish flamenco. Though it's only 70 minutes long, Riverdance is repetitive by half. But judging from the ecstatic audience ovations and the continued foot-stomping during and after the curtain calls, too much is still not enough. --Richard Natale
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Very Cool!!!
Touches You
This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.
This was the first Riverdance for most of us to see and enjoy, beginning in the mid '90s. Michael Flatley and Jean Butler are the lead dancers and both are fun to watch.To me, the more Irish the song, the better. There is at least one song that is not Irish: the African "Freedom" number, and I wonder why it is in the show. The dancing is excellent and usually fun to watch. Butler doesn't tap dance much, but even in the fast ballet-type numbers she is a joy to watch for her amazing footwork and her beauty - a great face and even greater legs!Flatley leads a talented group of dancers. He's pretty amazing, too: a great talent. I prefer him in this show as opposed to the 1998 Lord Of The Dance, where he seems full of himself. I don't see that ego in this performance, just his dancing.The bagpipe number by Davy Spillane was interesting but went on too long. Marai Pages may not be the beauty like Butler, but so what? Her flamenco dancing is always a treat.Overall, a great show that put Riverdance on the map, worldwide.
This show is incredible. I must admit, I have never seen a Broadway show in person. But this Dublin version of Riverdance (the original version, I believe) meets my impression of "The best of the best." For me, this version is the basis for any followup, and includes a synergy between Michael Flatley and Jean Butler that does not exist between Colin Dunne and Jean Butler. This is not meant to take away from Colin's obvious talents, but only to make sure the magic between Michael and Jean is not overlooked. Using what I think is the current vernacular, I was "blown away" by this show. All of the dance routines are great. I particularly like the routine where the three female dancers use skirt linings of red, blue, and green. The performance is spectacular and the stunts are entertaining and something I look forward to. I am going to buy a second video of this performance in case I wear out the first tape. I do wish it were on DVD.
I bought both videos and the CD after seeing the live performance at Wolf Trap Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, VA. It still takes my breath away when I watch the video. I am 41 years old, and only two things have ever taken my breath away like that. One was flying over the Big Island of Hawai'i in a helicopter, and the other was seeing Riverdance. If you can possibly see the live performance, do so. Otherwise, see the video.
Just because she got to work with Michael Flatley....anyway, I want to say that I've seen this video so many times it's not even funny. I love it! the dancing's great, but what I really love is the music..I mean how can you NOT love the music? :)