[By Kelly Roncace/Gloucester County Times]
Michael Flatley first introduced the world to the art of traditional Irish dance and music when his stage show, “Lord of the Dance,” first premiered in 1996.
Now, after grossing more than a billion dollars worldwide, selling more than 12 million videos and performing his shows, “Lord of the Dance,” “Feet of Flames” and “Celtic Tiger” all over the world, Flatley will appear on the silver screen in the first-ever “Lord of the Dance 3D” film.
Beginning March 17, and only showing for one week, Flatley fans will have the opportunity to experience the “magic, excitement and passion” by being part of the dance experience.
“For years I’ve been approached to do film, but I was always apprehensive because I wasn’t sure that the show would translate properly onto film,” Flatley said in a telephone interview. “But with the advances in 3D technology, I thought this might work.”
The film begins with Flatley telling his story of how “Lord of the Dance” came to be, and how, at certain points, he felt like he was “pushing an elephant uphill.”
But now, with the show’s phenomenal success, he stresses his motto — “Follow what’s in your heart and be willing to work hard and nothing’s impossible.”
After Flatley’s brief introduction while footage of the stage crew building the immense traveling set pops off the screen, the film comes alive with dancers, musicians and magic.
“I insisted that it be shot live with a live audience because you can see the audience around you and there’s such a depth of field,” Flatley said.
“Lord of the Dance” tells a timeless story based on Irish folklore of good versus evil and introduces new sets, lighting, costumes and special effects, together with breathtaking performances, captured in 3D at the Dublin 02 Arena.
“I love the Little Spirit and the bold girl and the bad guy, who is one of the best bad guys we’ve ever had,” he said when asked about his favorite part of the 3D film. “I really love it all. We’re up against gigantic blockbuster films, but we have a great product.”
Even with the upcoming release of the film, Flatley said nothing compares to performing live.
“Even if I’m tired or have had a bad day, I know that once the audience is with me, they lift me up with their energy,” Flatley said. “That’s something that can’t be replicated.”
“Lord of the Dance 3D” also features fiddlers Giada Costenaro and Valerie Gleeson, Tom Cunningham as “Dark Lord,” Bernadette Flynn as “Saoirse,” and Ciara Sexton as “Morrighan.”
The 3D film will be shown locally at the Washington Township 14 Regal, Cherry Hill AMC theater, Riverview Plaza Stadium 17 Regal in Philadelphia and Ritz Center 16 Rave in Voorhees.