H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center was swept up and taken to Ireland on Tuesday, March 12, as Celtic Woman performed their traditional Irish hits, along with popular American covers.
With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, everyone’s feeling a “wee bit” of the Irish spirit. But for the sold-out crowd at the Luhrs Center, it was as if they were dancing in Dublin.

The full house was buzzing with anticipation before the show began Tuesday evening, and as the lights finally faded in the theater and the opening notes of the band echoed through the theater, everyone fell silent.

One by one the leading ladies of Celtic Woman entered — first the violinist, Máiréad Nesbitt, then the vocal talents of Chloë Agnew, Susan McFadden and Lisa Lambe — and sang their first song “Awakening,” with backup vocals from the Aontas Choir. Next was a solo performance by Lambe, singing the flirty Irish folk song “Dúlamán” and dancing with two drummers across the stage.

After their first two opening numbers, Agnew gave a warm welcome to the crowd and introduced her next song, “Nocturne.” Agnew’s solo ballad was accompanied by Nesbitt on violin, creating a slow, fervent tone. Nesbitt continued playing on to the next song, “Coast of Galicia” and showed her skills as a violinist; spinning and dancing wildly along the length of the stage as the audience clapped in time, looking more like a ballerina than a musician.

As the Celtic Woman performed their collection of traditional Irish songs, each member had the opportunity to showcase her unique flair. The song “New Ground” was a performance by the pipes that sounded like a war-time battle cry, while “Orinoco Flow” was a collaboration with everyone that sounded like a nautical song from somewhere out at sea. During “Teir Abhaile,” Irish dancer Craig Ashurst captivated the audience with his lithe feet and rapid dance steps while Lambe showed off some impressive spoon-playing. From start to finish, the Celtic Woman made every song a unique and enjoyable experience. Throughout the songs, they would act exaggeratedly, adding a theatrical element, inspiring laughter and encouraging the audience to clap along.

Agnew, McFadden and Lambe wrapped up the first act with their version of the classic Irish song “Danny Boy;” setting aside the bright lights and theatrics from earlier and focusing on the vocal harmonies as Nesbitt played violin softly alongside them. While picking up the pace, they finished with the energetic “Mo Ghile Mear,” which featured booming drum solos that shook the seats in Luhrs with their thunderous bass.

The second act began with award-winning bagpiper Anthony Byrne playing the familiar opening notes to “Amazing Grace.” Decked out in traditional Scottish bagpiping attire, he made his way from the back of the audience to the stage. As he reached the front, Agnew, McFadden, Lambe, Nesbitt and the Aontas Choir joined him in singing the iconic song. It was a poignant opening number that set the tone for the second half of the show, focusing on covers of popular songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Ave Maria” and “You Raise Me Up.” These performances were highly praised by the audience, earning standing ovations from some.

In a befitting “Broadway Tribute,” McFadden sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from the show “Les Misérables.” Joined by Agnew, their flawless harmonies rivaled Anne Hathaway’s Oscar-winning performance of the song. The Broadway medley continued with “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King.” Lambe took the lead vocals as the band played a simple beat with bongos, string instruments and a flute. As the beat intensified, with the choir joining, the tune became the classic, beloved song known by many, with a few audience members singing along in their seats.

The ladies bounced from one song to the next, covering folk songs “Nil Se’n La” and “Shenandoah,” with instrumental solos from the band and Nesbitt, along with Ashurst, dancing his way back on stage to impress the audience again with his Irish step dancing skills.

Ending the show with a heart-felt thank you and offering an Irish blessing, Celtic Woman performed the traditional Irish song “Parting Glass,” a typical song presented at the parting of friends. Receiving a lengthy standing ovation from the audience, they returned for another song. As audience members remained standing, clapping and dancing along, the band had a “play-off” that featured solos from every instrument, followed by Nesbitt on violin, and lastly the vocals.

Celtic Woman was a large-scale, theatrical performance of Irish heritage that featured four talented women, along with skillful band members, dancers and choir singers alike. While being humble and sincere, Celtic Woman entertained and carried the heart of the Irish spirit in their performance. Before their final song, vocalist Chloë Agnew offered words in the native Gaelic language and in English:

“Go n-éirí an bóthar leat – May the road rise up to meet you.”
This traditional Irish saying offers warm farewells and encourages the Irish spirit to carry on even past St. Patrick’s Day.

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