Celtic Nights brings “Spirit of Freedom” to the City Opera House

Feb. 19, 2016

Revamping the theme of their show to honor the 100-year anniversary of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising, when Irish nationalists proclaimed the establishment of the Irish Republic (said to be similar to the United States’ Independence Day), Celtic Nights is heading to the City Opera House in Traverse City for a live show full of music, dance and patriotic celebration that they’re calling “Spirit of Freedom.”

TRANSLATING TUNES

“This show is quite different to our usual performance, in that we’re telling the story of the birth of Irish independence,” explained singer Ciaran Olohan. “Although we’re dealing with a serious topic, we maintain the entertainment and the fun side of our rich history.”

The show takes the audience on a journey from 1798 to 1916 and right up to present day through music, song and dance. Produced by Irish Drovers founding member Michael Durkan and co-produced by one of Celtic Nights’ singers, Rebekah Johanne, the show is focused on translating the music and dance directly from performer to audience.

“I think this show is special because we have a true understanding of what it’s like to perform,” Johanne said. “When you are a performer, you have a love and care that transfers across when putting together a show; it brings something so personable and magical to it.”

PEPPY PERFORMANCES

This is the fourth year Celtic Nights has traveled to America, bringing a different show each year to showcase Ireland’s music, song and dance within an ever-shifting framework. While these shows most often elicit comparisons with Broadway, with ever-present smiles, plenty of dramatic pauses and pep rally-level enthusiasm, “this year we are just looking forward to sharing our story,” Johanne said.

Different parts of the show appeal to people in different ways, Olohan pointed out, but there’s really no age limit or particular demographic for enjoyment of the performance, which shifts between rollicking dance numbers to towering balladry, all within a framework of colorful lighting and coordinated costumes.

“We’re confident there’s something for everyone,” he said.

FREEDOM AND FRIENDS

Celtic Nights’ “Spirit of Freedom” is also unique in that it breaks the fourth wall — that invisible space between performer and audience — to share a bigger piece of Irish culture. The best example of this occurs when the group sits on the stage and has a sing-along with the entire audience, turning strangers into friends.

“We even go into the audience and have a dance with everyone, and there is a meetand-greet after every show where we chat to everyone who came to see us,” Johanne said. “This show is real and we connect with the audience like no other type of Irish show.”

Olohan agreed. “Our stateside audiences have been spectacular, and so welcoming,” he said. “It’s a real pleasure bringing our tale of Irish freedom to an audience that has shared in our heritage, whether it be through ancestry or emigration. Everyone we meet has a story of the Emerald Isle to share with us, and that makes it all the more special.”

Celtic Nights’ “Spirit of Freedom” will be performed at the City Opera House in Traverse City Feb. 23 at 7:30pm. For tickets and more information, visit cityoperahouse.org or call (231) 941-8082.