Riverdance - Live from Radio City Music Hall (Two-Disc...

Buy This Item Riverdance - Live from Radio City Music Hall (Two-Disc... by BBC Warner  Available from Amazon  $30.99  on 11-3-2008     <I>Riverdance</I>, the Irish hard-shoe sensation that took PBS viewers by storm, underwent its second incarnation with <I>Live from New York City</I>, a 1996 performance filmed at Radio City Music Hall. While most of the attributes from 1995's <I>Riverdance: The Show</I> remain--the dazzling ensemble choreography, Bill Whelan's energetic score, and the New Age-y view of Celtic mythology--the most significant difference is at the top, where Colin Dunne replaced bombastic lead dancer Michael Flatley. Though lacking Flatley's bravura, Dunne is a superb technician who works well with Flatley's former co-lead, Jean Butler. Flamenco dancer Maria Pagis returns, as do the Riverdance Singers (formerly known as Anuna) with soloist Katie McMahon and the orchestra with fiery fiddler Eileen Ivers. <p> About a half-hour longer than the 1995 original, <I>Live from New York City</I> expands upon the second act's theme of the Irish leaving their homeland for other parts of the world. "Lift the Wings" becomes a set piece for the people who are saying goodbye (it's hard not to miss the original's solo voice of Aine Um Cheallaigh), and a new song, "Heal Their Hearts," is a showcase anthem for bass Morgan Crowley. In the most engaging new number, "Trading Taps," a trio of Irish dancers faces off against two urban American tappers. While much of this follow-up show will be familiar to those who know the original, it's different enough to be enjoyed on its own terms. It's also more stylishly shot, but that's also its biggest drawback--frenetic editing that allows only brief glimpses of the dancers and leaves the viewer dizzy. <I>--David Horiuchi</I> Reader Reviews I had not been exposed to the phenomenon of Riverdance before. I had heard about the amazing performances given around the globe by this dance company, but this DVD was my first real exposure. I have to say I saw totally blown away by the skill, visual and total sensual experience of this DVD. The dancers and musicians were awesome. This DVD was almost like two performances in one. You had the dance and you had the music. The orchestra performed a couple of songs that can standalone in my book as some of the best music -- sort of new age in nature. In fact it reminded me a bit of Yanni or John Tesh at times. But it would harken back to the Irish tones and bring you back home to its roots. The dancers and singers were just wonderful. The solo artists had the most crisp and clear voices I've heard in quite some time. The principal dancers for the company clearly enjoyed their art -- dancing quite challenging pieces with smiles on their faces and a love of dance written all over them. One can only imagine the amount of time it has taken to perfect this dance -- totally in step with each other and in harmony with the music. The segment that mixed a bit of street dance with the traditional Riverdance format was lively and demonstrated the universal nature of dance to culture. I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone who loves music and dance. You don't have to be Irish to appreciate the craftsmanship that has gone into making this DVD and the Riverdance company. It is just amazing.

Riverdance - Live from Radio City Music Hall (Two-Disc... Available from Amazon Price: $30.99 Updated on 11-3-2008.

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