Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance Taps Its Way Into Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater May 14 – 16 For Limited Weekend Engagement!
APRIL 9, 2010
Tickets On
Cast Members Scott Doherty, Michael McHugh Crowned World Champions at the 2009 World Irish Dance Championships
Lord of the Dance has announced its
Tickets ranging in price from $20 to $70 may be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or on performance days only at the Merriam Theater box office. Groups of 20 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883.
Recently, cast members Scott Doherty and Michael McHugh (McHugh for the category of dancers under age 18) were crowned world champions at the World Irish Dance Championships.
Doherty and McHugh beat out more than 6000 dancers representing five continents over the eight-day competition. In 2009, the championships took place in
“We are so happy for Scott and Michael. Their dedication to Irish dance and exceptional abilities are just some of the reasons they are part of the Lord of the Dance team,” says Flatley. He adds, “I was just ecstatic to see them both crowned as world champions and we are very fortunate to have them as part of our cast.” Doherty and McHugh are in a cast made up of Irish dance phenoms from around the globe. “Each one is a superstar.”
Flatley, Lord of the Dance’s creator and artistic director, was the first guest judge to appear on ABC’s hit reality television program “Dancing With The Stars.” In November 2007, he and cast members from Lord of the Dance performed on the show. The thrilled studio audience clapped throughout and gave a standing ovation as Flatley and his hypnotizing dancers completed the routine.
“That kind of reaction speaks directly to the quality of dancers who I have had the privilege to bring to the stage,” Flatley says. “They give of themselves in a way that is unique alone to Irish dancing, stretching a form of dance that has evolved over more than 2,000 years.” The dancers’ average age is 22, and each one has achieved individual recognition as a national or worldwide dance champion.
More than 100 million people worldwide have seen Lord of the Dance -- the international Irish dancing extravaganza that has performed sold out shows at theaters, arenas and stadiums in over 67 countries. “Our success demonstrates the hunger people have,” says Flatley, “to wholly submerge themselves into a world where dancers interpret every nuance of classic good versus evil through modern Celtic music.” Lord of the Dance has an ability to connect with the audience and initiate and captivate a new generation. Adding to the visceral and emotional impact are costumes, lighting and staging that are cinematic in scope. “Make no mistake,” adds Flatley, “Lord of the Dance begins where modern theatre ends.”
Flatley, who originated the role of the Lord, is the company’s Artistic Director, a position he has held since the troupe’s stunning 1996 debut in
Lee Marshall, president of Magic Arts & Entertainment, the tour promoter and veteran of blockbuster entertainment events agrees. “The championship dancers in our cast manage the impossible every night. Their collective spirit and energy takes audiences to a time and place that is as imaginative as it is inviting.”
“Lord of the Dance is truly a worldwide phenomenon,” says Bob Cayne, co-promoter and president of Global Entertainment Group. “Fourteen years later, the
Flatley continues to oversee all aspects of the production. The first American to win the All-World Championship in Irish Dance, he was The Guinness Book of World Records holder for having "the world's fastest feet" at 35 taps per second.
Described by the New York Post as "fascinating, rewarding and above all, entertaining," and by the Los Angeles Times as "a showpiece extravaganza," Lord of the Dance is a
mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance. 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.
For more information, ticket sales or memorabilia, please visit www.lordofthedance.com
The Broadway Series is presented by the
In addition to Lord of the Dance, 2009-2010 Broadway Series productions at the Academy of Music, Forrest Theatre and Merriam Theater include: August: Osage County (April 27 – May 2) at the Forrest Theatre; Avenue Q (June 18 – 20) and Dreamgirls (June 21 – 27), both at the Academy of Music; and
About Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Corporation
Magic Arts & Entertainment, headed by Lee Marshall and Joe Marsh, is one of the foremost tour producing companies in the
About Global Entertainment Group
Based in Las Vegas, Global Entertainment Group, Inc. has been part of the extraordinary worldwide success of Lord of the Dance since 1998. Global has booked or promoted the show in more than 30 countries where the show has been embraced by a variety of cultures and individuals from all walks of life. In addition, Global is actively involved in many other international entertainment productions, exhibits and live entertainment investments.
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