First of all, I am a little bit disappointed with myself. I have seen Troupe 2 five times over the past week and have only taken the time to do one show report, but I shall try to now put that to rights. Over the past week we have seen the show once in Jacksonville, twice at The King Center in Melbourne and twice at the Ruth Eckerd halls in Clearwater.
Normally I keep a written journal of each show, but for some reason I failed to maintain that for these shows, I could use excuses about the amount of travelling in between shows, but I think it was just due to the fact that I was so wrapped up in the whole LOTD experience that the actual written bit went straight out of the window, however this can never detract from our overwhelming enjoyment of every performance.
The leads through this set of shows and a brief review.
Bobby Hodges
A very young man from Bristol, England, who seems to be destined for a brilliant career in Irish dance. Every move precise, with the ability to take the audience with him for the entertainment ride.
Ciaran Connolly
This fella could possibly be one of the most charismatic and flamboyant performers you are ever likely to see. If the show was black and white, then he would be colour. Every movement, every action is larger-than-life, so you are left, in no doubt, to what just went on. His presence on stage shouts at you, look I own this, so watch me. His entertainment value cannot be measured - just as well, 'cause I don't think they make tapes that long.
Adam McSharry
The bad guy.. Adam has had experience on the dance stage for quite a few years now, and that shows. A internationally recognised artist, he has this role just about sewn up. He seems to revel in the fact that he is Mr. Nasty and the more booing he gets from the crowd the happier he is. Don Dorcha can be acted in several different ways, Adam has this kind of SWAGGER as he walks, and he even manages to carry that into his dance, but as with all the other performers, his work is nothing but pure professionalism, and nothing short of a delight to witness.
Zoltan Papp
The bad guy #2. Anyone who has seen Zoltan perform, in whatever show cannot be amazed at the way he executes his roles. He goes to great lengths to attain a almost military precision in his performance, which I am pretty sure he tries to improve on in each show. One of the pieces that captured my attention{as if the whole show didn't} was part of the execution scene, just before the LOTD is dispatched to the Netherworlds, the Dark Lord faces him, the launches himself into a final dance. The only way I can describe this was as if Zoltan were a Phoenix, launching himself from the ashes into majestic flight. It was awesome to watch.
Ciaran Plummer
The bad guy #3. Another completely individualised performance by another very talented young man. Ciaran is another performer who seems to delight in having the audience give him grief, certainly looks as he is not trying to curry favour from anyone. as the show goes through its paces, he increasingly goads the crowd which happens to have a brilliant effect.
Cherie Butler
Morrighan, Goddess of War and Death, Shape shifter, Gatherer of souls of those warriors who were felled on the battlefield, apart from that , not a bad girl.
Cherie portrays this character not only with the skill and grace of a seasoned dancer, but with the fire and passion that this role deserves. With a hold over Don Dorcha, she uses him to destroy the LOTD when he rebuffs her advances {silly LOTD} Cherie is truly fantastic in this part - style, grace, passion, fury long may she reign.
Debbie Carrol
Morrighan #2, Debbie is another respected experienced dancer with LOTD. Again she brings her talents to the fore with her exquisite portrayal of this part. Gorgeous to watch as she rules the stage as Queen of her realm.
Morrighan #3
Caroline Fahy. I can't remember when I first saw Caroline take this part, all I remember is that it was good then, and has only increased many, many fold. Caroline must have a very strict fitness regime, {certainly looks like an athlete} to be able to perform this role with the amount of FURY that she does. With all the effort that goes into these parts, maybe the bad guys should be allowed to win for once.{only joking}
Morrighan #4
Katie Kerrigan. Katie, a veteran of LOTD and Celtic Tiger, brings her own brand of dynamism to this already high energy role. Her years of dancing in different roles certainly pay benifits to they way she now dominates in the role of Morrighan. Could watch repeatedly, and given half the chance I will.
Saorise
The good girl. Everybody loves a good girl. Right? Well these you would have to be mad not to.Siobhan Connolly. Siobhan, one of the famous Connolly siblings, is yet another multi-talented dancer. Having been in different troupes within the LOTD universe, including Celtic Tiger, she is more than equipped to take any role,especially one a taxing as this, and take it on she does, with amazing results. A beautifully portrayed character from this young lady.
Louise Hayden
Saorise #2 Louise has had huge amounts of experience dancing with LOTD. We have seen her acting out various roles in different venues probably in most of the western world. Fantastically graceful, and about as precise as you could be. Excellent.
Maggie Revis
Saorise#3 Happy birthday Maggie{sorry we missed it}. What is there left to say, that I haven't already. Maggie is another facet of the LOTD dancing family. Graceful, gorgeous, just a sheer pleasure to watch. Hopefully we will soon.
Erin Goddess of all
Erin is played by a young lady called Mary-Anne Roddy, from a rather tranquil area of South London called Figgs Marsh. This little township is sandwiched between the towns of Tooting and Croydon, both bustling communities, full of life and excitement.
It is always a pleasure to see new talent in the shows and Mary-Anne is certainly that. Beautiful voice singing three of my all time faves, Marble Walls, An Mhaighdean Mhara, and of course that all time classic, Carrickfergus. Although not entirely new to the entertainment business, she is new to LOTD, but she has the stage presence of a seasoned professional, and I for one { probably along with quite a few others} am certainly happy she is now treading the LOTD boards. Mary-Anne, glad to have made your acquaintance.
The Little Spirit
Sarah Sullivan is The Little Spirit. From a personal viewpoint I have always considered this to be, if not the most physically demanding, certainly the most psychologically demanding role in the show. It is the Little Spirit who brings the whole Kingdom to life. She is the first person to enact on the stage. The lights are on her alone. Every pair of eyes in the house are drilling into this individual, so no pressure there then. The Spirit has more lone time on stage than anyone else in the show so this is definitely a specialised part. Sarah, you execute your role like a true professional, also brilliant to see you dancing other parts also.
The Show
As always these shows are probably the most entertaining nights out you could spend. You may have noticed when I talk about the people performing in LOTD in sometimes refer to them as players, simply because the way the show has evolved over the years in now seems more like a stage play than simply a dance show. The effect on me is still electric, the hairs still stand up on the back of my neck. We are now up to show # 139, and hopefully the number will go on ad-infinitum. It increases in style, professionalism and emotional content with every performance, Precision wise it has now probably reached it's zenith,although I have a feeling that new dizzy heights may be reached. Every player in this remarkable production contributes towards it's overall magnificence. I have nothing but praise for this show. Pure brilliance.
The Cast
I would like to thank all of the cast for making our visits to your show a very memorable event. It really is the icing on the cake when you take time out of your busy schedule to stop talk and genuinely share your experiences with us. It really is so special for us, so thank you all once again.
Crew
There is a vast unsung army that helps in keeping this show on the road, that are normally not given to much thought to as they are generally the great unseen, but without them the show would not happen, so I would just like to say thanks to, The drivers, the riggers, the shifters, sound crew, lighting, wardrobe, the merchandise men{Sam and Steve} and everyone who contributes to this extravaganza.
Once again Mr.Flatley we have seen your troupes in action and they are a pure credit to you. They fly your banner high by performing in what is never short of pure magic, and when in public their behaviour is nothing short of impeccable. The run of shows in the USA is not very long this time, but I would have thought that the demand for this show in the states would be almost inexhaustible, considering the amount of Americans who can proudly boast of a Irish/American heritage.
Thank you once again troupe 2, you are brilliant. Thanks to our travelling companions for the past few days{makes it all the more special} Take care in whatever you do, and may your Gods go with you.
With our love Bob, Shazzy, Merrybee, J.G. , Jessica, and Libby.
