Riverdance On Broadway

Riverdance, the internationally acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance will make its debut on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre March 16, 2000. Previews begin March 3. On the heels of the anticipated Broadway debut, Riverdance – On Broadway the CD will be released on May 2, 2000 from Decca Broadway. All the music and lyrics for Riverdance – On Broadway were written by the Grammy Award-winning Bill Whelan. The CD features selections from the original smash production alongside six new original tracks.

Capturing the heart and soul of Riverdance – On Broadway, the forthcoming CD is a treasure from start to finish. Highlights include Whelan’s six new songs,"Endless Journey," featuring the soaring vocals of Brian Kennedy and Tsidii Le Loka, "At The Edge Of The World," "I Will Set You Free," "Amanzi," "Let Freedom Ring" and "Rí Rá." Irish singer/songwriting star Brian Kennedy recently had three albums in the top 30 of the Irish album charts simultaneously. He has also performed and recorded with Van Morrison and received an IRMA (Irish Music Industry Award) for Best Irish Male Album. Britain’s Q Magazine describes him as having "a voice to charm the angels." Tsidii Le Loka is a Tony-nominated singer best known from her role as Rafiki in Broadway’s The Lion King. Both performers can be heard on several selections from the new CD.

In 1997, Bill Whelan won the Grammy Award for "Best Musical Show Album" for his original music and lyrics for Riverdance. Riverdance – The Album on Celtic Heartbeat/Universal Classics has sold in excess of two million CD’s worldwide and is certified platinum in the United States, Ireland and Australia. The CD Riverdance – On Broadway, much like its predecessor, is destined to be embraced by music-lovers everywhere.

In February 1995 Riverdance had its world premier at the Point Theatre, Dublin where it opened to unanimous critical acclaim. To date, over 10 million people worldwide have seen the spectacle, in addition to some 6.5 million people who have purchased video versions of the show. With music and lyrics by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, the worldwide hit returns to New York with a production conceived and created especially for Broadway, featuring new performers, songs and dance numbers. Riverdance – On Broadway showcases the entire international company of 80 performers, including the now famous 36 member Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe of world champion dancers, The Riverdance Orchestra, The Riverdance Singers, The Moscow Folk Ballet Company, an African vocal ensemble and The Riverdance Tappers.

Contact: Carol Della Penna/Olga Makrias

Universal Classics Group, Crossover Music

212.333.8237 / 212.333.1485

carol.dellapenna@umusic.com / olga.makrias@umusic.com