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
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Fantastic! Comment: I danced growing up [tap, jazz, ballet] but I had never seen anything quite like this. It's fantastic. Added to the specacularly talented dancing cast is superb choir, orchestra and solo vocalist music. The story this 'variety' show tells has beautiful flow. Both the line and feature dancing is mesmerizing. My whole family loves this, from my littlist niece [only three] to my grandmother. My own kids have now developed an interest in dancing, something I could never coax them into, because of this. This Show also has made me a Michael Flatly fan for life. My favorite is the flamenco duet. Customer Rating: Summary: Release on DVD PLEASE!! Comment: I remember the tape from when I was a little kid and i have always LOVED IT. I'M WAITING FOR IT TO COME OUT ON DVD!! I love this soo much and even though I am Puerto Rican, I still found an appreciation for this music and i absolutely LOVE the dancing. Come on AMAZON RELEASE IT ON DVD! Customer Rating: Summary: This is really Fab - can't believe it is not yet on DVD Comment: I have this on VHS since 1995 and really want to get it on DVD but so far have not been able to locate it? This is such a fantastic mix of music and dance with everyone performing to their limits.
A must for any fan of Irish music and dance and in particular Riverdance. Customer Rating: Summary: Magic Irish feet. Comment: Now somewhat dated, but still an excellent video of what was a breathtaking new phenomenon in stage dance. If you saw the original show, this video will bring back happy memories. If you didn't it will give you a taste of what you missed -- and probably make you regret having missed it. Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent Quality, Very Fast Service Comment: For the first time, a vendor supplied their product to me faster and in better condition that Amazon.com. Very impressive. Many Thanks.
