Published on October 1st, 2015 | by Andrew Bistak
Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games Review (Melbourne 2015)
Summary: Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games is another Irish dance and musical spectacular from the master, Michael Flatley
5
Magical!
Michael Flatley’s extraordinary dance show returns to Melbourne Australia that not only pays homage to its Irish heritage but it adds a true modern twist to its story with an element of video gaming and pop culture thrown into the mix. As a result, Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games is like a video game merged with a rock concert that adds classic Irish Dancing (aka Riverdance) with jazz, ballet and street dance which is not only astonishing to watch but there’s some great special effects, lighting and a two level stage to really draw you into this visual and musical production.
So after a brief introduction about the history of the Lord of the Dance, the viewer is treated to this almost Star Trek borg-like creature (or perhaps a Celtic Demon) who wants to hold the power of the “Lord of the Dance” and as a result, he sends forth his minions and temptress to steal the title. There is even a cute and friendly Sprite who looks like something out of Cirque du Soleil with her costume and colour scheme to support this story. This sprite also has a magic flute who can change the elements and when she discovers that this demon wants to claim the Lordship from the new holder (Morgan Comer), she helps our hero throughout the story. Morgan also has a “Lady of the Dance” who is played breathtakingly by Erin Kate and is like an angel from the heavens for our hero which adds an element of romance to the story.
Besides Comer and Kate, Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games boasts some amazing Irish dancers who really wooed the crowd from their amazing talents that was a joy to watch from start to finish. To further assist in the story, the dancers truly make full use of the stage that includes colourful lighting, holograms, giant video images and even pyrotechnics which go hand in hand with the dancing. Add in live music with a singer and two female violinists, these women lend their talents well to this classic story of good versus evil. Furthermore, costumes are equally as impressive from traditional Irish inspired clothes to modern gymwear and even robots with green lights who tapped their way through the gripping story.
Lastly, even though Michael Flatley is not the star of this dancing spectacular, he makes two cameos thanks to the magic of modern technology as two pre-recorded videos are showcased at the start and end of Dangerous Games with a great dance-off between three versions of the master himself. Furthermore, Flatley should be commended on creating this latest incarnation of Lord of the Dance and given that it’s the 21st birthday of this dance spectacular, it’s easy to see why Dangerous Games boasted a sell-out season at London’s West End… it’s just a brilliant show from start to finish!
Final Thoughts?
Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games is another flawless dance production that features great music and perfect choreography thanks to Flatley and crew. Sure, it’s a little different then other instalments of Lord of the Dance but this is why the franchise has lasted so long as its always adapted for the modern audience and Dangerous Games is no exception to that rule as the viewer is treated to some Lords and Ladies of Dance who will wow you with their skills, beauty and wondrous dancing.
Highly Recommended!
Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games Tour Information
MELBOURNE
Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre
Dates: Tuesday, 29 September – Sunday, 4 October 2015
Times: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm
Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: Arts Centre Melbourne 1300 182 183 or atrscentremelbourne.com.au
Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278
CANBERRA
Venue: Canberra Theatre
Dates: Tuesday 6 October – Sunday 11 Oct 2015
Times: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday-Friday 730pm, Saturday 2pm & 730pm, Sunday 1pm & 6pm
Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: Canberra Theatre Centre 02 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 02 6275 2727
BRISBANE
Venue: Concert Hall, QPAC
Dates: Tuesday 13 October – Friday 16 October 2015
Times: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday & Friday 8pm
Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: QPAC 136 246 or qpac.com.au
Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on (07) 3840 7466
GOLD COAST
Venue: Jupiters Hotel & Casino
Dates: Saturday 17 October – Sunday 18 October 2015
Times: Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm & 7pm
Prices: From $79.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: Ticketek 132 849 or ticketek.com.au
Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 364 001
SYDNEY
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Dates: Tuesday 20 October – Sunday, 25 October 2015
Times: Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday 1pm & 8pm, Thursday – Friday 8pm,
Saturday 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Prices: From $69.90 (Booking and transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au
Groups 10+ SAVE! Call Group Bookings on 1300 889 278