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Created by the Producers and Director of Riverdance, HEARTBEAT OF HOME is a music and dance spectacular featuring the dynamic, vibrant components of traditional Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban music and dance. The world-class cast of forty includes a ten-piece band creating a new and electrifying sound written by award-winning, Golden-Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne.
The show employs high-definition, cutting-edge projection technology and has an engaging narrative structure. Produced by Moya Doherty, devised and directed by John McColgan with narrative and lyrics by award-winning Irish writer Joseph O'Connor. Joseph comments: 'when we marry the sexiness of salsa to the thunder of Irish dance, the lyricism of tango to the yearning of Sean-nós, what a night of storytelling we shall have'.
The cast includes world-class Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban dancers and with choreography by David Bolger, the production will create a dream-world of joyous, heart-stopping, high-energy music and dance.
Great show, but not simply a "better" Riverdance. It was different -- very multi-cultural (so much so that I felt a bit cheated that we didn't get more pure Irish dancing), which worked in some of the numbers more than others. We got more of a storyline out of the second half and thought the cultures were better integrated there overall, eliciting a feeling of one big global party! Definitely worth seeing.
It was an amazing, fast forward show, with great music, fantastic background/decor, nice mix of cultures and perfect sang and dance. We loved it. Unbelievable the theater was only half full.
Seeing an Irish themed show on the day of the Chicago St. Patrick's parade was pretty appropriate, I thought. The pre-show and intermission suite was pretty cool but steeply priced at $35 each. Oriental is a grand old movie house and nice venue for this show with this sized company. Band was great throughout and gave more dimension and layers to the dance parts. The obviously "enhanced" tap parts during the Irish segments was a little overdone. Couldn't they just invest in better mics and amplification of the actual tap parts? First half was almost uncomfortable as the dancers from the 4 different disciplines (Irish, Flamenco, Ballroom, Hip Hop) were forced to try and dance unison in styles they were not trained for and it became obvious quickly as they simply were not 'clean' in their unison parts and body technique differences were very obvious. The performers were very professional in their roles but it seemed forced and some of the productions seemed self-indulgent of the director/choreographer. I was worried this would be a poorly performed weak cousin of Riverdance. However, the second half of the show was FAR better and made the evening very worth it. Productions were fun, took advantage of and featured each of the dance disciplines and allowed the performer's personal style to project. The cast responded with FAR more energy, ensemble performance, and projection and it made for a huge contrast from the first half of the show. I would definitely recommend the show as a study in contrasting styles and training and for the great second half of the show!
This Irish dance performance was fabulous! We really enjoyed the mixture of other dance styles. Please bring this show back next year!
Would see it again in a heartbeat! Recommending to friends.
We love Irish dancing and this show did not fail to impress. Mom - who is Irish - was a bit dubious at first about the dance fusion when I suggested that we go see this. After the first 10 minutes she was beaming. She loved it! We bought the DVD so that we could relive the experience. Its a modern take on traditional Irish dancing - absolutely excellent.
I danced with world, world danced with me. That says it all.
Loved it! Two hours of exciting dance and music. I'd see it again.
If you get a chance to see this, go for it! The music and dancing was off the chain! A mix of Irish, Folk, Afro-Cuban, Latin and Jazz all meshed into a kaleidoscope of movement and color and sound. Was fascinating how the different music genres and dance styles were combined in this artistic production. And the visual effects with the scenery were over the top. Catch this one - you won't be disappointed. If it comes back to Chicago, I'm gonna see it again and bring others. Kudos to all involved with this masterpiece!
The high energy parts of the show were incredible. Definitely glad I saw it.
This was a world class production with some of the best dancers from around the world. The live musicians and band on stage were not local union musicians but part of the production, and were amazing with vocals and instrumentals alike. It was not just Celtic dancing, but several genres to include Flamenco and street dancing. Choreography was great too with the backdrops, but if there was any downside, I didn't quite get the railroad desert scene against the Celtic music. This was a feast for the eyes and the ears! I believe you will not see much better dancing anywhere!
The dancing was great, the voices were amazing, the background was distracting, the story was not clear like random thoughts from a remembered dream - maybe that was the intention??
A taste of footwork from around the globe the scenery as well as the dancing kept my interest all night
This was one of the best things I've seen, since moving to Chicago in 2002. It was amazing. If it had left, I'd have gone again.
The performance was amazing. The musicians and the dancers were impeccable with incredible athleticism. I could not believe what their bodies could do. A variety of dance forms were showcased in a unique integrated format. There really is something for everyone. My husband and I both enjoyed it from start to finish. I recommend it highly.
Absolutely fabulous show... Could not keep still! Sat in 2nd row and no one in the seats I front of me in the first row, so this was the best seat in the house !!! All I can say is that if I could go again I would except I was only visiting Chicago for a weekend ...pity the people sitting behind me as I am sure I was bobbing up and down, toe tapping, clapping and squealing with delight at the performances! I am also in my early 50's lol Chicago was on my bucket list for St Patricks Day festivities.... This was the ultimate and best experience for me. Having seen River Dance, and Lord of the Dance several times, this was such a mixture of dance but kept to the Irish theme... being of Irish descent (my father) and brought up with Irish music, this was a wonderful experience. Anyone with Irish blood and a love of the music and dance...GO TO THIS SHOW!! Outstanding!
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this show. The talent was amazing. We were transported thru the song and dance.
An outstanding blend of Irish, Latin and Hip-Hop dances. Great music and vocals. What a talented group of young dancers. You leave feeling..."Wow!".
Awesome show! The cast is so talented and inspiring for my Irish dancer daughter.
I am a musician & am very cynical when it comes to performances. This production was fabulous & incredibly spectacular. The blend of Celtic, Flamenco, & African music & dance was flawless and unique. I would love to see it again- & I think this is only the second time in my life I've ever wanted to see a repeat performance of anything. This is breathtaking & I can't recommend it highly enough!
