Theater Reviews

Sep 21, 1999 - Eldorado's "Spirit of the Dance," A Great Cast and Great Dancing

By Jack Neal

Everything used to be comin' up roses, now they're comin' up Irish dance troupes.

Dublin producer Moya Doherty started the craze with bare chested tapper Michael Flatley on board to add skin and flash to the dash of Irish step dance. Then Flatley, the dance sex bomb, took off on his own, starred in his own show - "Lord of the Dance" - and made a fortune.

A host of others are cashing in. The public has gone crazy over the arms-pinned-to-the-side, Flamenco type heavy footwork (ouch to arches) that epitomizes Irish dance. Love for this dance bonanza has been largely lost on critics and I'm one of them. Some say, I have, there's too little variety for a full evening of dance - even for troupes loaded with Irish dance champions.

As is often the case, the public hasn't given a hoot about what critics think. These shows are loved by millions and do a land office business wherever they appear. Reno's Eldorado Hotel Casino has been home to David King's "Spirit of the Dance" for over a year. Now it's time for an update of the show that packed 'em in for months, for a new version that'll keep 'em coming for more.

It's my guess that "Spirit of the Dance, The New Millennium" (reviewed from a 9/16/99 performance) will do just that. Frankly, this new edition of King's hit show is better than its older version. There's more dance variety resulting in an extravaganza of dance that explodes with activity in several directions seemingly at once. Not bad for a piece that springs from a seven-minute intermission filler for a Eurovision song contest.

"Spirit of the Dance's" new millennium twist includes an elegantly managed bolero (as did the older show), a rip snortin' cowboy and cowgirl number more into American tap than Irish clog and the Celtic Harp Ensemble, which gives "Spirit" a serene change of pace and everyone a chance to catch their breath. The more cornball "spirit" portion of the older show, the "where is my Danny Boy" schlock, has been soft-pedaled this time around in favor of just letting this marvelous cast of dancers dance.

And dance they do.

Lovely Victoria Cooper is gorgeous as the company's prima ballerina, although the "prima" moniker is a bit puffy for what she actually does dancewise. Miss Cooper does do, however, what choreography she's been given beautifully. And she sings well, as do the other members of the cast who sing, although with this show as with others of the Irish dance ilk, it's difficult to know who does their own singing and who doesn't. "Ever have that syncing feeling?" is a new version of a very old line. Syncing of all kinds is the name of the game these days with these kinds of shows, including dancer's taps. Management refuses to give out company secrets so what's real and what isn't is anyone's guess.

But there's no taking away from how the troupe's dancers dance. Victoria Higgins is the company's lead Irish dancer (she's also a world champion) and she's terrific. Tall, statuesque and supremely skilled in dance, Miss Higgins is a dazzler. Tim Lane, "Spirit's" Danny Boy, is top drawer in both song and dance. Mr. Lane's many moments on stage is much freer sailing now that some of the previous production's gooier "Danny Boy" stuff has been scuttled.

Mandy Todd, who's billed as the show's violinist/vocalist, has a distinctive patent-leather-and-rivet look that usually doesn't jive with the violin business. Undaunted, Miss Todd makes a go of her act with equal parts brash, chutzpah and pizzazz and comes off as the production's most personable personality. She connects.

So do "Spirit's" corps of dancers, who knock themselves out to make this new millennium "Spirit of the Dance" a more than worthwhile 80 minutes of show and dance. It's these Irish Gypsies who make "Spirit" a hit. No one can deny their absolute dedication to the cause, making the sameness of King's choreography look better than it is, and their extraordinarily exhilarating hard work. They are nothing less than splendid.

The show's score is a lush, mush kind of thing but has its appeal. The lighting and all other production values are just as they should be - simple and effective.

"Spirit of the Dance, The New Millennium" plays Reno's posh (comfortable seating and great sightlines) Eldorado Showroom, 345 North Virginia Street, nightly except Mondays at 7 and 9:30 p.m. For information call 1-800-648-5966, or 775-786-5700, or check out the Eldorado's website at www.eldoradoreno.com. Please note: Because of the strenuousness of Irish step dance, cast changes take place regularly - especially with principals - and without notification.

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