SPRINGFIELD — If you missed seeing “Riverdance” or “Lord of the Rings,” then you might want to consider seeing the best of both worlds with “A Taste of Ireland — The Irish Music & Dance Sensation.”
The internationally acclaimed production, coming to Springfield Symphony Hall on Saturday, combines traditional Irish music with a modern twist, featuring fast-paced dance performances and vibrant storytelling.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
The cast features stars from “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance” as well as other world champions and live musicians, to transport audiences through the heart and soul of Ireland’s culture and history.
Performers include two-time world champion Gavin Shevlin, formerly of “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance;” world champion Callum O’Neill, formerly of “Riverdance;” world champion runner-up Cian Walsh; as well as fiddle player Megan McGinley, Patrick O’Keeffe Young Musician of the Year who is featured in the film “TRAD” and formerly of “Lord of the Dance”; among other world-class Irish dancers and performers.
“A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” is directed and produced by Brent Pace of “This is Not a Happy Room” from Off West End and “A Taste of Ireland” from off-Broadway, and co-directed and produced by Ceili Moore, world champion “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance” artist, and features musical direction by Charlie Galloway of “Talisk.”
“This show offers audiences an adventure through the heart and soul of Ireland, where every beat of music and every step of Irish dance shares a captivating journey,” Pace said in a press release about the show.
Liam Fitzgerald, one of several lead dancers in the show, began dancing at the age of 3 and trained in all styles of dance at Sonja Dene Dance Studios in Australia. He is both a New South Wales State and Australian National Champion and has also competed internationally at the World Irish Dancing Championships and the North American Irish Dancing Nationals. He first performed with the cast of “Taste of Ireland” in their Sydney show before traveling the world with them.
Asked what audiences can see and hear compared to “Lord of the Dance” or “Riverdance,” Fitzgerald said “A Taste of Ireland” has all live dancing beats.
“We have dancers with microphones on their feet and others strategically placed on stage so that all the noise you hear is from the actual dancers on stage and not pre-recorded tracks. I think for the audience, it’s just nice to know that the dancing is actually happening as they hear it. The tips of our shoes and the heels all make noises. So, there is a bit more pressure on the performer. You can’t be missing any beats, missing any noises, because it would be quite obvious live if you do,” he said.
Fitzgerald explained that the show’s storyline follows the history of Ireland from the beginning up into the modern age and explores different events that have happened in Ireland’s history, including the Irish potato famine of the late 1800s and a rebellion against British rule during Easter 1916.
“There are lots of different little stories, essentially a big timeline, exploring the island’s history,” he said.
Fitzgerald said audiences “love the show” and tell them so when members from the cast go out into the foyer of the auditorium to talk with audience members, get photos with them, and sign autographs.
“Many people in America have Irish backgrounds, Irish heritage, and if I go out after the show and one person tells me I made their night or made them happy for two hours while we perform, then I can’t be any happier. That’s what we love to do,” he said.
Tickets, ranging in price from $77.44 to $89.11, are available online at springfieldsymphonyhall.com.
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