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'Lord of the Dance' coming to Huntington

February 13, 2008 @ 10:16 PM

BETH HENDRICKS

For The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- Irish eyes will be smiling a bit before St. Patrick's Day at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

Friday at 8 p.m., the world-famous Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" will hit the Tri-State with its blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance. Ticket prices range from $37 to $51.

"This is a huge production -- with the caliber of performance, the storyline, costume changes, lighting and so on. I think a lot of people don't realize how big this really is until they see it," said Jason Gorman, who portrays the role Flatley made famous. Flatley does not perform with the touring groups, though he is heavily involved in the production aspects of the show. "The show has been out so long. It has a lot of staying power. It's one of those programs that you can see at any age and it's appropriate."

The story of the dance show is a classic "good versus evil" plot and involves the Lord of the Dance protecting his people from dark forces, with a love story interwoven. The show has not moved much from its original creation because, Gorman said, people have come to expect the classic story.

"Michael doesn't want to change the show up too much because audiences expect the classic tale," he explained. "People do want more out of the show, more flash, so that's where the Vegas-style costume changes come in, along with other small changes."

"The Lord of the Dance" travels with 35 cast members as well as musicians who perform live at each 90-minute show. Gorman said the production, which travels with multiple trucks and buses, is akin to traveling with a circus.

"When we get to a town, it is like traveling with a circus. It's enormous," said Gorman, who has been performing with the "Lord of the Dance" show in some capacity since the age of 16.

Since 1996, the highest-grossing dance show has performed to more than 100 million people in 67 countries. The quality of the performances -- 35 cast members dancing as one -- keeps people coming back for more.

"I think a lot of people hear about Irish dancing and think of this big, long line of people tap dancing; but, as with any form of dance, it's a blend of so many kinds of dancing," Gorman said. "The amazing part for people is that you've got 35 people dancing at the same time and it sounds like one person dancing."

For more information about the show, visit www.lordofthedance.com. To purchase tickets, visit any Ticketmaster outlet or call (304) 523-5757.

WHAT: Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Big Sandy Superstore Arena

HOW MUCH: $37-$51

INFORMATION/TICKETS: (304) 523-5757

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