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A spirited production that is sure to get Southwest Floridians in the holiday spirit comes to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall next week, where attendees can take in a show featuring world-class dancers.
“A Celtic Christmas Tale by a Taste of Ireland” makes a stop in Fort Myers on Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m., as stars from “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance,” along with an impressive roster of World Champion Irish dancers, fuse red-hot rhythms with eye-catching talent.
Featuring traditional high-energy Irish tunes, heartfelt ballads and favorite carols, “A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland” has toured to packed theaters around the world in a multidimensional show choreographed and produced by National Irish Dance Champion and Gaelforce Dance star Brent Pace, with Irish Dance World Champion and Lord of the Dance lead soloist Ceili Moore.
Cian Walsh, who is a dancer in the troupe, said it’s been a busy year touring, and that the group is excited to put on its Christmas production in the Sunshine State.
“It’s a brilliant show,” he said. “It’s a live music and Irish dance show. So everything you hear on stage, whether it’s from the musicians or from the dancers, it’s all live. It’s a really authentic experience for the audience. It gets everyone in the Christmas spirit, and the Christmas mood. You can sing and dance along to the songs.”
According to a synopsis of the show from A Taste of Ireland, audiences are “immersed in the magnificence of Christmas in Ireland, transported to a land where energetic music and dance are the beating heart of the festive season.
“As lads croon their way along the cobblestone streets, filling the air with the rich sounds of Irish ballads, high-spirited lasses hit the floor with thunderous, powerful beats that resonate deep in the soul. Set against the enchanting backdrop of a snow-dusted Ireland, the show follows two star-crossed lovers, Oisin, a humble man from the rugged lands of Tyrone, and Ava, a spirited young woman from a wealthy family in Athenry, who find themselves drawn together under the mystical charm of the mistletoe. Their whirlwind romance blossoms into love, and then faces harsh trials. But all ends well during a lavish Christmas ball, where the lovers reunite in a dramatic reunion that captures the spirit of hope, resilience, and enduring love in a moment of festive joy.”
Walsh added, “You go through all the emotions. There’s happiness, sadness, you’ll be laughing, you’ll be crying.”
The amount of talent on stage at the Barbara B. Mann for the production is endless. Headliners for this tour include Gavin Shevlin (two-time World Champion), Niamh Shevlin (top-5 in the World Irish Dance Championships; Donegal Rose winner), Julia O’Rourke (four-time World Champion), Megan McGinley (master fiddler and Ulster Champion). Also featured will be Ella Giammichele, Nicole Kelly, Natalie Wagner, Emily Grace, Karaleigh Desmond, Hannah Cunniffe, Liam Fitzgerald, Daniel McCormick, Thomas Doherty, Michael Roberson, Ciaran Bagley, and Caleb Gringon.
“The great thing about this show — it’s unbelievable the talent and the caliber of Irish dancers and also musicians,” Walsh said. “We’ve got World Champion Irish dancers, we’ve got Irish musicians that are known around the world. You’re really getting the best you can get. And the audience will see that on stage from the minute (our cast) steps on stage. We really have a special cast, and we’re looking forward to putting on great shows for everybody.”
For those that have never experienced Irish dancing live, Walsh compared it to tap dancing, except instead of a metal-tipped shoe, Irish dancers have a fiberglass tip and wooden heel.
“We dance a lot more crossed over at the feet, at the knee,” he said. “It’s a lot more posture-focused. A lot more straight and rigid in posture.”
Walsh, 25, has been dancing since he was around 4 or 5 years old, and was born into it, as his parents own an Irish dancing school. He spoke to the way the style has spread around the world.
“Irish dancing over the last 15 to 20 years has really spread globally. We’ve got so many different Irish dancing schools around the cities we perform in. And we always meet them after the show, and they might show us some steps they’ve been learning. It’s nice that they can come and watch the show, and see if they work hard, if they keep at it, that they can make it into a profession for themselves and travel the world. It’s nice to show the younger generation of Irish dancers around America that you can do this as a job.”
“A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland” will feature traditional Irish music, and Irish Christmas favorites such as “Christmas in Killarney” and “Galway Girl.”
“You’ve got a great mix of getting traditional Irish music, and also the Irish Christmas festive feeling,” Walsh said. “It’s great for the audience to experience Irish culture, and get a bit of that holiday feeling as well.”
The stage will be very interactive for the performers, as well as the audience. Walsh said the set will include a bar top, so it’s as if they’re all enjoying a drink and chatting to the bartender. There will also be interactivity with the performers and the audience.
Moore, in a statement, said, “Our Christmas show is a tapestry woven with the rich threads of Irish influence. With music that captures the essence of our heritage, we invite our audience to immerse themselves in a truly authentic Irish experience. It’s a celebration of our culture, our traditions, and the immense talent of our performers, making this show not just a performance but a heartfelt journey into the soul of Ireland.”
Walsh said whether or not you have Irish heritage, the show is one for all to enjoy.
“It’s beautiful to come and experience the Irish culture — experience what we’re about. Irish dancing is one of the most traditional forms of dance. And Celtic dancing and the music is really engrained in Irish culture. It’s really nice to be able to give the audience around America our message and what we’re all about. A little bit of Irish banter and have a crack on the stage. You’ll be up on your feet dancing and singing. We can’t wait to put on great shows.”
For more information and for tickets, visit ATasteofIrelandShow.com. Tickets range from $37 to $67 (plus fees).
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College, at 13350 FSW Parkway.