Riverdance: The New Generation Was Riveting at The Fabulous Fox

 

–by Ashley Cox

 

Theater goers poured into the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Saint Louis on Friday to see the opening night of Riverdance’s 2025 tour. The 30th anniversary featured multiple video montages of the 90’s sensation.

I remember being 7 and being absolutely glued to my television when the commercials came on. I had the videotape and even now as 37-year-old, I have the DVD. This was probably the closest I have had to a religious experience in decades. As the dancers entered the stage, my best friend and I gripped each other’s knees in a way that could have normally broken bones. We were very excited.

It did seem like certain pieces were different. The whirling dervishes did not have an extended period on stage, making me wonder if there were injuries or other issues. The show featured backgrounds with the help of video screens, not something you would have seen in the 90s.

Once again, my only gripe is audience etiquette. The two women next to me were pulling out their phones to text the entire show. With a runtime (including intermission) of two hours, you should be okay to put the phone away. Several people kept LOUDLY clapping (which can be encouraging to performers in many contexts) but they were horrifically off the beat and when a part of the show is hearing the taps of the dancers, it does hinder your fellow audience members. Maybe read the room?

It was great to see so many children at the show. I was envious because I would have given up several Beanie Babies to see Micheal Flatly in the original cast when I was their age.

I look forward to many more iterations of Riverdance. Next up in the Broadway series is Ain’t Too Proud, the story of the Temptations which opens on May 9 and has an Audio described matinee on May 10.