After two years, ‘Dance’ still has legs at New York-New York

Joe Delaney

Friday, Aug. 4, 2000 | 8:43 a.m.

Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" is in the second month of its third year in the New York-New York showroom, as fresh as on opening night and with no sign of diminishing returns. It tells the story of the battle between good and evil, as contested within one man, the Lord of the Dance. The mood, the music, the dancing and the setting is Irish in every respect, deeply Celtic.

Flatley's presence is felt throughout. Had he not been "fired" from "Riverdance" on the day before it opened in London, there probably would never been a "Lord of the Dance." Flatley's presence is also still felt in that show as well. James Murrihy is the Lord of the Dance here and does an excellent job, unless one wastes time trying to compare him with Flatley, who stands alone in his field.

Murrihy is the "good guy" and Declan Bucke who postures more than he dances, makes a convincing "bad guy," the evil one. Geraldine Bergin is the "good girl," blond of course, with just a trace of bad in her. Catriona Hale is a clear winner as the raven-tressed "bad girl," Ashling Dunney makes a believable Little Spirit with her musical pipe, plus some magic dust when sorely needed.

Laura Duff sings at propitious moments, regal in green, with a good, clear soprano sound, especially effective in rendering the classic "Carrickfergus." Breda Smyth and Brenda Curtain are two lady fiddlers who add much to the uptempo sequences. The balance of the 45-person company, including swing personnel, are attractive, talented and strong contributors.

Audience counts have been running 90 percent of capacity and better in the 900-plus seat showroom. The crowd at the show caught was responsive throughout and especially at the closer which is really a postlude.

With the emphasis on things Irish in music, on film and television, and in theater, "Lord of the Dance" stands out as an example of the finest in this genre. To enjoy it, you don't have to be Irish but you may want to be after you've seen it. If you are of Irish descent or born there, you will leave the theater proud of that fact.

The show flows smoothly and easily and seems too soon over at 90 minutes. Check for times; there is a 3 p.m. Saturday matinee.