Riverdance 25th Anniversary

Riverdance Troupe

The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus presents Riverdance: 25^th Anniversary at the Merriam Theatre through January 26th as part of its Broadway Philadelphia 2019-2020 Season. The dancing is phenomenal, of course. The principal dancers have been dancing since they were between 2 and 5 years old and have won a myriad of competitions to get to where they are today. Riverdance 25 is a bigger production than Riverdance 20. Each new musical number is introduced by a magnificent projected setting. The settings are life-like and unique, making it difficult to believe they are projections on a curtain. Dancers interact with spots on the projections. There is a humorous interaction in Act Two entitled Trading Taps.  The Riverdance Male Principal and 2 male troupe members have “a challenge” by the American Tappers. Each side does a routine and the other side has to try to do one better. In the end, they end up dancing together. It is a great insight into how two different styles of dancing can merge. Music abounds throughout. When the dancers are not on the stage, the Riverdance Band is playing or singers are singing. The music is haunting. When Haley Richardson plays the fiddle the whole stage is transformed. When she gets into a musical duel with Emma Frampton on the Saxophone, you’ll wish they’d never stop playing but then it’s time for those incredible dancers. A Russian Folk Dance Troupe joins the Riverdance troupe for some numbers. All dancers dance a variety of routines with impeccable precision. The vocal and instrumental acts are extraordinary. This is an exceptional show. For more information or tickets visit www.kimmelcenter.org