The rhythmic thunder of traditional Irish dance will echo through the Upper Valley next week as “A Taste of Ireland — The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” makes its debut at the Lebanon Opera House. Fresh from its acclaimed West End run in the U.K., this internationally celebrated production promises audiences an authentic journey through Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
Tyler Watkins, assistant producer for the touring show, expressed excitement about bringing the production to our area for the first time. She told the Standard, “We’ve actually never toured in the New England area or New Hampshire, so we’re super excited to come into a new territory,” Watkins explained during a recent interview.
The production starts its New England tour on Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Lebanon Opera House, before continuing to Vermont with performances at The Flynn in Burlington on Sept. 12, the Dibden Center for the Arts in Johnson on Sept. 13, and concluding at The Paramount Theatre in Rutland on Sept. 18. This multi-city tour reflects the show’s mission to bring world-class Irish entertainment to communities that don’t typically host such specialized performances.
What sets this production apart is its commitment to authenticity and live performance. Every step, every beat, and every note is performed live on stage with no backing tracks or pre-recorded elements. The show features an extraordinary cast of World Champion Irish dancers, including headliners Gavin Shevlin, a two-time World Champion formerly of “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance,” and Callum O’Neill, also a World Champion with “Riverdance” credentials.
The production weaves together Ireland’s tumultuous history through electrifying dance performances, dramatic scenery, and intricate lighting effects. Audiences can expect reimagined versions of classic Irish songs, such as “Danny Boy” and “Wild Rover,” given contemporary spins while retaining their emotional core.
The interactive nature of the show ensures audiences become part of the experience rather than passive observers. “It’s super engaging and interactive with the audience,” Watkins explained. “It’s a brief history of Ireland with loads of fun thrown in there.”
For more on this, please see our September 4 edition of the Vermont Standard.
