Weekend: 'Rockin' Road to Dublin'
Created by the 2009 World Champion of Irish Dance, Scott Doherty, and worldwide performer of Irish music Chris Smith, “Rockin’ Road to Dublin” is bringing its concert and stage show hybrid to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts as part of its first national tour.
The performance starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. Tickets can be purchased at the Marathon Center’s box office at 200 W. Main Cross St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and one hour prior to the show. They are also available online at marathoncenterarts.org with prices ranging from $45 to $65.
In an interview with the Boston Irish Reporter, Doherty said he conceived the show with Smith during a series of conversations.
“We wanted to make a modern show that would speak to people of every age,” Doherty said. “We thought, ‘Hey, let’s make Irish dancing cool again.’ Why not do Irish dancing with music played by electric guitars, two full drum kits, stuff like that. No one’s really done anything like that before. And after about three years of work and dedication, we had a show.” Doherty said while there are rock elements in the show, audiences also can expect other styles.
“There are softer, slower numbers that everyone enjoys, as well as upbeat dance numbers,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that we didn’t overlook the great traditional core that Irish music has, and I really think we’ve found the perfect balance that everyone will enjoy.”
Doherty said the show doesn’t contain a traditional full storyline, though some numbers tell a story within themselves. The show’s director, Broadway choreographer Jeff Whiting, touched on this.
“The lyrics of the songs tell a love story that weaves together the music and dance,” Whiting said. “Our goal is to have the audience walk away having had an experience that is entertaining, uplifting, and inspirational.”
The show features Ashley Smith as lead dancer; Megan Lynn Browning as lead vocalist; and Brett Benowitz on vocals. It also features a dance troupe and a group of musicians that play guitar, piano, classical string instruments and drums. Music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations are by Brent Frederick; original costume design is by Sarah Coffey and Ashley Wilson; lighting is by Carolyn Wong; scenic designs are by Brian Barker; and sound consultation is by Trey Smith.
For more information, visit www.rockinroadtodublin.com or contact the performing arts center’s box office at 419-423-2787.
