Now 30 years old, ‘Riverdance’ hasn’t lost a step

By Rich Fahey

BOSTON – The tradition continues, buoyed by performers who had yet to be born when it all began.

“Riverdance 30:  The New Generation”  is onstage this week at the Boch Center Wang Theatre. It is the proud successor to previous editions that have been traveling the world since 1995, spreading the gospel of Irish art and culture while also capturing the hearts of millions of people.

After its debut, “Riverdance” became an international phenomenon and spawned a whole new appreciation of Irish culture – especially Irish dance and music – while also successfully integrating dance and music from other cultures.

It made Michael Flatley and his world-record flashing feet known worldwide.

The new edition contains all of the elements that have made the show such a long-running success: the Grammy Award-winning music, the energy and skill of the performers , combined with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago.

The troika at the heart of the show are still there: Grammy-winning composer Bill Whelan, producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan. They have taken a winning formula and reinvented and reinvigorated it for a new generation of theater-goers.

“Riverdance” was one of the first shows to embrace high-resolution projections as the backdrop for the action onstage, and they have only grown more spectacular with each production, now featuring motion graphics designed by Cosmo Av.

So we can see smoke rising from peat fires in thatched cottages, waves rolling in seamlessly onto shore, lovely moonscapes and starry skies, and a full-blown thunderstorm.

The production elements remain sublime and as good as any you’re likely to find in any theatrical production. Here they include Joan Bergin’s costumes, and Michael O’Gorman’s sound design.

Theo Dorgan’s evocative poetry that introduces each number is narrated by John Kavanaugh.

As superb as the dancing is – the principals are Kieran Bryant, Will Bryant, Maggie Darlington, Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, Fergus Fitzpatrick, and Mairead Trainor – the voices and the musicians are every bit as good.

The band includes Musical Director Mark Alfred on the MS, percussion, and Bodrahn, Cathal Croke on the ulleann pipes and low whistle, Haley Richardson on the fiddle and Emma McPhilemy on the saxophone. Several of the instruments are traditional Irish instruments, which give the show’s score such a distinctly Celtic vibe.

Rocio Dismet is a fiery flamenco soloist, once again establishing the bond with Celtic dance; Riverdance tappers Kenji Igus and Darmesh Patel ably connect hip-hop flavored American tapping, the likes of which can be seen in New York City, with the finest Irish dancing has to offer.

The Riverdance Dervish Folk Dance Troupe connects yet another cultural genre of dance and strengthens the production’s international vibes.

The original principal Irish dance choreography of “Riverdance” is credited to Flatley, he of the flashing feet who became a worldwide sensation when he appeared with the original “Riverdance.” His feet were once insured for $57.6 million.

John McColgan, director of Riverdance. said “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots. “

Riverdance 30 – The New Generation” from April 8-13, 2025 at the Boch Center Wang Theatre. Tickets: bochcenter.org