SARGE'S RIVERDANCE REVIEW!
Sarge, The Missus, and The Boy had the most wonderful experience on Sunday, 28 SEP 03. Because this was the first Broadway-style show the Detachment attended since "Lord of the Dance" hit EPCOT in '99.
We arrived at the Louisville Palace theater on a cool, blustery Sunday morning, with our tickets at the ready, all set for the matineee last show of the tour. The Boy wore his white shirt, plad vest and dress shoes; Missus looked wonderful in white, green and blue, with a white knit shawl over her shoulder; and Sarge wore simple grey with black tie, with two crossed US flags on ther lapel.
The Palace is a 1920's era theater, from another age, with architecture to match. The theather itself, however, has been redone with stadium-style seating, and three bars outside the doors (Sarge tried, but the Missus, well...)
Well, the show began, as we had practically memorized from seven years of watching the tapes, but the subtle changes, the smaller stage, the younger, more energized dance company - all combined to transport us all from the theater, and back in time to the Ireland of old.
Irish choral, string and drum, and dance, all as we've come to know it, and more. All the numbers we know almost by heart - "Home and the Heartland", "Heart's Cry", and others, all made us just feel wonderful.
And The Boy was good as gold - until he fell asleep during the finale! All that cheering and roaring of the audience, and he's snoozed! Ah, well, he got jostled, and clapped as loudly as we did for the whole assmebled company.
After the cattle rush to leave the theater, we were all quite hungry, and walked across the street to Carmichael's, a yupscale bistro in the theater district. As we sat down to a hearty meal of steak and potatoes (Sarge), hot brown and salad (Missus), and chicken strips and mashed potatoes (The Boy), a boisterous group of young folks ambled into the place, laughing and talking amongst themselves - still in makeup. The principal dancers had come over for the wrap party. Since we saw them first, we stuck our legs out to stop them, and thanked them loudly, leading the restaurant in a round of applause. How they blushed! I tipped heavily, and we all went back home, full beliles and singing hearts.
Folks, check out the company's site, and find out if this wonderful display of European culture is coming anywhere near you. I wholly, sincerely, and lovingly urge you to go. Riverdance is unforgettable!
Yours 'til next Time,
SARGE