Feb. 1, 2011
Bill Clinton was President when Chicago native Michael Flatley created and launched "Lord of the Dance". Fifteen years later, the world's highest grossing Irish dance show is still selling out arenas and theatres around the world. Generations of audiences – more than 60 million people from 68 countries – have seen "Lord of the Dance."
The show last appeared in Portsmouth at Shawnee State University's Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in 2006.
Presented by Magic Arts & Entertainment and Global Entertainment Group, the "Lord of the Dance" tour will perform one show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5 at the VRCFA.
"Lord of the Dance" is a classic tale of good versus evil, based on Irish folklore that brings a passionate love story to life. Flatley, along with dance Director Marie Duffy-Pask, hand-picked the cast of more than 40 dancers. Each has achieved individual recognition as a national or worldwide dance champion.
"Fans appreciate that our dancers deliver a stunning interpretation of Ireland's most famous legends via an eclectic blend of dance styles rooted in traditional Irish dance," Flatley said. "Our dancers connect with the audience and have captivated a new generation."
The story is based upon mythical Irish folklore as Don Dorcha, Lord of Darkness, challenges the ethereal Lord of Light, the Lord of the Dance. Battle lines are drawn, passions ignite and a love story fueled by the dramatic leaps and turns of dancers' bodies begins to build against a backdrop of Celtic rhythm. The action is played out over 21 scenes on a grand scale of precision dancing, dramatic music, colorful costumes and state-of-the-art staging and lighting.
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, "Lord of the Dance" is offering a contest to U.S. residents. One lucky winner and a guest will win roundtrip airfare, hotel and VIP tickets (including a meet and greet with cast members) for the Trenton, N.J. performance on Thursday, March 17. Visit the "Lord of the Dance" Facebook page to find out how to enter and win at http://www.facebook.com/MichaelFlatleysLordoftheDance.
Tickets for the show are from $26 to $48 with special discounts for seniors, students and children under 12. Discounts are also available to all SSU employees and alumni as well as current SOPAA season subscribers.
Tickets are now on sale at The McKinley Box Office located in the lobby of SSU's VRCFA, Kroger's and all Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information or for reservations, call the McKinley Box Office at (740) 351-3600.