THEATER REVIEW -- Tom Titus

If “Riverdance” were a movie, viewers might marvel at the surgical

strikes of the dancers’ feet and surmise that this visual effect was the

result of trick photography. After all, people just can’t move their feet

that way, can they?

They can and they do in this electrifying production, making its

second triumphant visit to the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

These young, highly energetic performers do things with their lower

appendages that Gene Kelly probably never dreamed of.

While “Riverdance” is a celebration of Irish music and dance, the

production -- one of two currently touring the world -- also emphasizes

its similarities with, and influences on, other cultures. The show

focuses on Irish dances -- where the upper portion of the body is

practically immobile while the legs and feet perform furiously -- but

also includes a fancy flamenco and a superb “street rumble” by opposing

tap-dancing “gangs” that proves the highlight of the evening.

The spotlight of this touring show falls on lead dancers Michael

Patrick Gallagher and Tara Barry, who take turns tearing up the stage and

finally close the performance with a flashy duet. Gallagher in particular

exhibits the awesome velocity of foot movement that characterizes the

Irish dance form, while Barry renders a lithe, lighthearted counterpoint.

Both are young, blond and supremely talented.

Youth is a determining factor in such a show, with the shelf life of a

dancer in this show probably between five and 10 years. Exceeding energy

is demanded in director John McColgan’s robust production, and his

dancers exhibit this quality quite memorably.

Highlighting the impressive exhibition is “Trading Taps,” a

back-street face-off between Gallagher and two other Irish dancers and a

trio of African American tappers -- Aaron Tolson, Ronald “Cadet” Bastine

and Jason E. Bernard. The troupes battle one another in exhibits of

one-upmanship, with Tolson in particular flashing superior skills.

Latin America gets its due in the form of a flamenco dance from the

fiery Rosa Manzano Jimenez, who has a pair of solos to strut her

considerable stuff. Singers Lisa Kelly and Aidan Conway impress, but it’s

Darrin Lamont Byrd who steals the show vocally in a powerful solo.

The Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe, which anchors the show, is composed

of individual world championship Irish dancers who have racked up

hundreds of championships in their home country and abroad. All first put

on dancing shoes at the age of 3 or 4 and have been kicking up their

heels ever since.

Backed by a full orchestra emphasizing drums and stringed instruments,

“Riverdance” is a musical marvel. Special mention should be accorded

petite violinist Niamh Ni Charra, whose hands accomplish the same sort of

magic as the dancers’ feet.

Musical director Eoghan O’Neill -- who also plays bass guitar and

acoustic bass -- keeps the tempo stirring, while a quartet of drummers

pound out a rousing beat. Robert Ballagh’s imposing backdrops and Joan

Bergin’s colorful costumes complete the impressive stage picture.

One performance alone seems as if it would be exhausting, but these

Irish Energizer bunnies will be giving two today. This is a show that

could wear out an audience just by watching it.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

* What: “Riverdance”

* Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive,

Costa Mesa

* When: Closing performances at 2 and 8 p.m. today, and 2 p.m. Sunday

* Cost: $29.50-$64.50

* Call: (714) 556-2122