Some of the best Irish step-dancers in the world opened a Celtic Yuletide celebration on December 13 at Marines’ Memorial. Riverdance alumnus Michael Londra makes his triumphant return to San Francisco in this spirited revue. The great Irish tenor Londra performs traditional, heartwarming Irish carols and Gaelic versions of Christmas songs everyone loves, including "Silent Night" ("Oiche Ciuin").
Londra is backed by a live 11-piece orchestra and Irish band. Dance tunes and sad ballads play to traditional instruments such as a bodhrán (the national drum of Ireland) and haunting, plaintive Irish bagpipes. The special guests, the international duet Sephira, is a talented, well-rehearsed sister act from Ireland known for their beautiful voices as well as the mastery and excitement of their violins. Sisters Joyce and Ruth O'Leary have toured the world with their music. The excitement of their playing together is infectious.
The Irish step-dancers feature Owen Barrington, the 2008 Senior Men's World Irish Dance Champion and another Riverdance alumna, whose style has been compared to the Lord of the Dance himself, Michael Flatley. The three lady step-dancers (no program was available) fascinate with frenetic below-the-waistline activity while keeping their upper torsos rigid and holding unforced, beautiful smiles on their Gaelic faces.
Celtic Yuletide continues through January 1, 2012 at San Francisco's Marines' Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street. Tickets ($35 to $70) are available at www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com or by phone at 415.771.6900.
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