Hailed as “the next generation of Riverdance”, by Feis America Magazine,”Ireland The Show” features an international cast of Irish dancers and musicians, with an impressive array of competitive titles and professional experience. 

The collective experience of those involved is astounding. Many were principal and troupe members of Michael Flatley's productions “Lord of the Dance”, “Riverdance”, “Celtic Tiger”, and many others. Many more of those involved have been successful at regional, national and world championships among them.

Individually, they have appeared in 40 countries for audiences of up to 100,000 including the Empress of Japan and the Australian Prime Minister. Their wealth of experience with commercial recordings, cinema, television and on Broadway includes the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics, “Lord of the Dance 3D” film and “Dancing with the Stars” - the success potential for “Ireland- The Show” really is boundless.

Ethan Walker, Executive Producer for Rapidfire International says "The musical talent is front and center in “Ireland-The Show”, just like the dancers, and it brings the spontaneity of seisiúns, that idea of a hearth and a pub and a gathering of family and friends - so loved by the Irish - directly to the audience." 

John Ashline, Executive Director for the Patchogue Theater for Performing Arts, has already re-booked the show due to popular demand: “Our loyal audience was breathless with your combination of music, dancing and song. The presentation of new and exciting Celtic culture was a favorite of the audience and our staff alike. A standing ovation well deserved!”

The world-class ensemble includes Musical Director Patrick Mangan who has the distinction of being the youngest fiddler ever to play with Riverdance, along with an internationally-acclaimed percussionist, an All-Ireland champion Uilleann piper, a gifted accordion player from Pennsylvania and an award-winning accordionist/pianist from California.

"The audience immediately becomes aware that there are no recorded tracks or taps, and that they are in for a fabulous experience," says Mangan.

“It is a breath of fresh air and very exciting to inject that raw freedom of playing 100% live without backing tracks that have become so commonplace in Irish dance shows and live entertainment in general.”

Walker, the show’s creator and choreographer, adds: "Dancing to music being performed live by accomplished musicians and recording artists is the signature of Ireland-The Show.  Dancing without a click-track means that our audience is treated to the caliber of Irish dancing that is rarely seen off of the World Championship stage."

Dance Captain Meghan Lucey’s achievements include winning the North American Feis Commission Senior Belt at the peak of her competitive Irish dancing career with the Pender-Keady Academy, with whom she studied since age 7.  Lucey speaks from years of experience with Riverdance and other shows when she says, "Typically the line dancing choreography in a standard Irish dance show limits creative expression.  Instead, with 100% live dancing, live music and no principal leads, Walker ensures that every performer showcases his or her individual talent."

Rounding out the cultural experience for audiences is Conor ó Gallachóir from Derry, Northern Ireland, who has the all-important job of conveying the Irish world through story and song.  Discovered by the producers of Ireland-The Show  as he performed on Grafton Street in Dublin, his command of English and Gaelic is surpassed only by his spoken gifts with poetry and lyrics.

As the old Irish adage so aptly puts it, "There are no strangers, only friends we haven't met yet."  Gather your friends and family and make the short but highly-memorable journey to experience Ireland-The Show on its North American tour 2013-2014.

Ireland-The Show has a repeat command performance at the Patchogue Theater for Performing Arts in New York on November 1, 2013.  Its first New England appearance will be at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut on November 2, 2013, followed by two shows on November 4-5, 2013 at the South Orange Performing Arts Center in New Jersey.

Visit www.irelandtheshow.com for tour dates, ticket sales and more.

Here’s footage from the opening show at Patchogue Theatre, New York