The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series, is thrilled to present “Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show”
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show is Riverdance, as you’ve never seen it before! A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, video, stage and costume designs.
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance–beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again.
Riverdance began its journey as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, produced for television by Moya Doherty. This electrifying and innovative seven-minute dance piece was then developed into a full-length stage show. With its fusion of Irish and International music and dance, the show broke all box office records during its world première run in Dublin in early 1995. When the show transferred to London the reaction was unprecedented. There followed a hugely successful tour starting in New York in March 1996, where 8 sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall heralded the start of more than two decades of touring by Riverdance companies throughout North America. Since its inception, Riverdance has packed theatres throughout North America, Oceania, Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Maggie Darlington, who joined the cast in 2011, and is a principal Dancer.
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
I was 3 and essentially, I just followed in my oldest sisters footsteps. I grew up around it and wanted to be like her.
What was your first professional gig?
I am sure I got paid for things growing up, but my first professional job was Celtic Fire at Busch Gardens at Williamsburg Virginia.
When did you know performing would be your career?
In my senior year in High School when I started doing musicals is when I realized this is what I wanted to do.
What has been your favorite gig so far?
Probably the expo in Dubai in 2021, as it was the most unique gig I have ever done with Riverdance.
Is there a fantasy (ultimate) gig for a dancer that you would love to get?
Not an ultimate gig, but if there is an ultimate person I would want to dance with; its Derek Hough.
Is it intimidating or is there extra pressure dancing in such an iconic show?
Yeah, it was in the beginning, but not so much anymore as I have been with Riverdance for quite a while. The only thing that is intimidating is making sure I am true to the essence of the show.
It can be, but as humans we all have the “Grass is Greener” syndrome. When I am on the road I want to be home and when I am home I want to be on the road. Overall, I love it!
How well do you and your castmates get along?
It’s a family and we do all get along.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Quiet, energetic, and understanding.
What do you do for fun?
Mostly hang out with my boyfriend and find all the good cocktail bars. My Boyfriend is our sound engineer, so we get to spend a lot of time together.
Have you won any competitions in dance?
Thanks for asking and yes, I have. I won four North American Championships, two All-Ireland Championships and in 2007 I won the World Irish Dancing Championships.
What should our readers expect from Riverdance the 25th anniversary show?
I think they should expect an energetic music and dance spectacular and to leave with a smile on their face.
For more information on Maggie, follow her at Instagram.com/dargaret
Tickets for “Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show,” which start at $30, are available at BrowardCenter.org and Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 954.468.0222 or at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33312.
