They’re Every Woman

05/29/2009 8:34:00 AM

Well they claim they've been "vacationing" here in Florida, but they couldn't have for very long as their performance schedule includes Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Tampa. Speaking of which... I just saw their second show in Fort Myers this evening and it was GREAT! The vocals were spectacular as usual, the orchestrations UNBELIEVABLE - especially considering they essentially have only 7 musicians (2 of which are incredibly talented and very energetic percussionists), and the dresses striking as always (although many have criticized the new ones featured in the second act). The set's a bit smaller and simpler than it has been for previous tours (pretty much the entire production moves in two trailer trucks), but nevertheless it's SO striking and the lighting is SO good that between it all and the performance itself one's attention is sustained - no, make that RIVETED - throughout the LITERALLY 2 hours of non-stop music and dance. This year's tour is truly focused on the United States, both in terms of performance schedule and content. The "isle" in "Isle of Hope" refers to Ellis Island, and the "hope" refers to the hope that immigrants to the US (particularly from Ireland, of course) have for their futures. Consequently much of the projected visual imagery and even many of the songs are deliberately American (although the show's rich in their more traditional Irish repertoire), and the group's members take advantage of the theme in thanking their US audiences for all of the support that we've given them over the past 4 years. This year's tour presents us with a group that appears to be FAR more relaxed before their American audiences than they have seemed in previous years. Whereas in the past their musical and dance routines seemed so over-produced that they may have come off a bit "stiff" in appearance, this time they seem so much more self-confident and playful that they are able to truly communicate with those present, and their tremendous work deceptively comes across as seeming to be more effortless than ever. After 90 weeks of topping Billboard's World Music chart, one may wonder why this troupe has been as successful as it is. But after seeing them more than once, and this time in particular, there will be no wondering anymore. The performance is not only entirely live, but downright electrifying. The content is suitable for audiences of all ages and cultures - even children as young as 12 are absolutely mesmerized by the show. The staging and general production is wonderful but does not overwhelm the audience at the expense of the performers. The voices are angelic (at times I find myself wondering when they'll break out into a Disney soundtrack rendition... thankfully they DON'T ;-) and the orchestrations are truly magnificent. But most importantly, no matter how tiring their job they smile NATURALLY throughout each performance and they devote just as much energy and enthusiasm to each show as they did their FIRST. The show is SO good that audiences everywhere have NO problem applauding through ALL THREE ovations and remaining through the three encores. If you can get tickets, BUY THEM - for yourself, your family, and your friends. No matter who you are or what your musical tastes may be, you will leave thoroughly satisfied realizing the expense was an entirely worthwhile one. And you will NEVER regret it.