An anniversary production of the international Irish phenomenon Riverdance is set to step dance its way into Toronto for a limited engagement in March.
Mirvish Productions said the show, entitled "Riverdance 30 – The New Generation," rejuvenates the original production with new choreography, costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics.
The show also welcomes a new generation of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago, Mirvish said in a release.
In Toronto, Riverdance first played the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre — at the time, the Canon Theatre — in 2005. Since then, Riverdance has returned to the city for an additional four engagements, including its 25th anniversary tour in 2020.
Riverdance director John McColgan said over the past 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon. He said Riverdance is continuously evolving but remains true to its Irish roots.
Composer Bill Whelan said it was gratifying to see the growth in the number of young people actively engaging in traditional Irish music and dance since Riverdance began its life in 1994.
He said the new breed of performers are respectful of the craft's traditions but are also fearless in exploring music and dance forms from all over the world.
"For me, in a world that seems to grow increasingly narrow and insular, this is a powerful cause for celebration and hope," Whelan said.
Riverdance 30 – The New Generation recently launched with a special U.S. performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, seen by over 31 million people.
Riverdance began its journey as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. The seven-minute dance piece was then developed into a full-length stage show that broke box office records during its world premiere run in Dublin, Ireland in 1995 before it transferred to London, England.
A hugely successful tour followed, starting in New York in March 1996. Then came more than two decades of touring by Riverdance companies throughout North America.
Riverdance will run in Toronto from March 18 to March 23 at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. Tickets will be on sale beginning Thursday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased via the Mirvish website or by calling the box office at 1-800-461-3333.
