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San Antonio Majestic Theatre, Riverdance 30, June 2026

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MAJESTIC THEATRE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS JUNE 2026

HOW RIVERDANCE REVOLUTIONIZED THE WORLD OF DANCE

Executive producer and associate director Pádraic Moyles takes audiences behind the international spectacle.

Growing up in Ireland, Pádraic Moyles began Irish dancing when he was three years old, but it wasn’t until the young Pádraic (pronounced Paw-rick) saw Riverdance at Radio City Music Hall in 1996 that he fell in love with it. “It was something you were made to do,” Moyles told Broadway News. “I didn’t fall in love with it ’til I saw how Riverdance revolutionized Irish dancing.”

Created by composer Bill Whelan, director John McColgan and producer Moya Doherty, Riverdance premiered in Dublin in 1995, after this style of Irish dancing (set to Whelan’s music) made a splash during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. “Before Riverdance, Irish dancing was traditional, and there was a lot of rules and regulations around how that worked, which is amazing — everybody respects the tradition of it,” he continued. “But Riverdance brought it to a new level. It made everything limitless.”

Just one year after Riverdance changed his life (Moyles’ words), he joined the company as a dancer. Moyles ascended through the ranks, becoming a principal dancer and dance captain. Today, he is the executive producer and associate director of the global phenomenon.

“In traditional Irish dancing, you aren’t a character, you’re going [onstage] pretty much blank-faced and you’re just being judged on the dance, not the performance. That’s really the biggest change,” Moyles explained. “And, of course, as more dancers come through this [company], as more dancers grow

Riverdance The Cloak

up with this being their dream, their passion, they bring a totally different sense of what performance looks like. And that is really what helps the show evolve, as well.”

For more than 30 years, Riverdance has been touring the world and evolving. Yet its story is deeply rooted in Irish ancestry. “The first half of the show is about myth and legends of not just Ireland, but other territories, as well,” Moyles said. “In the second half of the show, it’s all about departure and discovery — kind of post-famine where everybody had to leave Ireland.”

But Moyles hopes that the story will resonate with anyone who has ever left hardship to seek opportunity elsewhere. Through its choreography, Riverdance conveys our common humanity. In a number called “Trading Taps,” American-tap dancers and Irish dancers duel, “yet through the duel, they realize how similar they are,” Moyles said. “It’s about rhythm. It’s all about movement. It’s all about expressing yourself. The next thing you know, they’re all doing the same rhythms just in different ways. It can be the way language works — we’re all saying the same thing just in different ways.”

“That,” the director-producer said, “is the essence of Riverdance.”

Still there are quintessential attributes of Irish dance that make the style unique. “Everybody puts their arms by their side, and they stand up really tall and straight, and the only thing that moves is from the waist down, right?” Moyles said. “The other important thing is how your feet are placed, the rhythmic sense that your feet can create, how your toes are pointed, what your posture truly looks like. Where’s your head? What’s the position of your body? Those things all play a role as well.”

“And, of course, you have light shoe versions of Irish dancing, which is the more balletic version and what most people know as the heavy shoes, which is all noise and rhythm,” he continued.

The distinct unison in which much of the steps are performed booms through every venue that hosts Riverdance. “John McColgan … always says to the artists, ‘Because you don’t get to communicate with your voice in this show, it has to be through your mind and body language. But if we think the same, if we can act the same, then they will hear every word we’re saying without ever saying a word.’”

Moyles ensures that their vocabulary and energy are always fresh — as are the other elements of the production. The 37 dancers change costumes and shoes for every single number in the show. New technology has allowed for more seamless and impressive design. “The most important element is the newness of this generation [of dancers],” Moyles urged. “The freshness, the excitement, the passion, the energy that they have is literally pushing you to the back of your seat as you watch this.”

“Our motto here is ‘Every night is opening night,’” Moyles said. “Every night is an opportunity to improve. “I can honestly tell you that this show has never been as good as it is today.”

For more in-depth interviews, up-to-date news and show reviews on Broadway, visit BroadwayNews.com.

FOR & JULIET PRODUCER EVA PRICE, ‘JUKEBOX MUSICAL’ IS NOT A DIRTY WORD

The Tony Award winner wants to erase the stigma of what a musical with preexisting songs can be.

Broadway’s jukebox musical & Juliet first opened in England at the Manchester Opera House in September 2019. After a move to the West End, British producers eyed a Main Stem transfer, and they thought of just the American producer to partner with them. When they asked Eva Price, a Tony Award winner for the gritty 2019 Oklahoma! revival, the producer recalled: “How quickly could ‘yes’ come out of my mouth?”

Price isn’t afraid to admit (or the word she’d more likely use: declare) that she loves a jukebox musical. “When they’re good,” she clarified.

“I love a jukebox musical and I love an intelligentsia, high culture, elite, smart play or musical,” Price said. “I actually felt, for the first time, I was seeing something [in & Juliet] that meshed both.” And she argues that jukebox musicals actually shouldn’t be one or the other.

The company of the North American Tour of & JULIET - Photo Credit Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Over the past 20 seasons, Broadway has reliably presented at least one jukebox musical each season (with the sole exception of 2007–2008). Still, only two jukebox musicals in that two-decade span won the Tony Award for Best Musical (Jersey Boys and Moulin Rouge!) and only five have ever played more than 1,000 Broadway performances (although Mamma Mia! is the ninth-longest-running Broadway show of all time).

Whether it’s the lack of critical or financial success (or another factor entirely), “jukebox musical” is a label many shy away from for fear of its negative connotation.

Part of that emanates from a stigma of using preexisting material, as the perception can be that this makes for an easier creative process. “I actually think, in some ways, writing the book for a jukebox musical — when it’s good — is harder,” Price said.

“Let’s just say Mamma Mia! and & Juliet, specifically,” Price said. “They’re wholly original stories that are connecting the songs, and I think & Juliet does it best in which the songs feel like they’re written for that book.” (Price recounted the proud story of her parents seeing the musical for the first time and telling her, “I can’t believe he wrote all these songs for this musical!”)

Of course, music mega-producer and songwriter Max Martin didn’t write the 29 songs that are in & Juliet specifically for the show, but Tony-nominated book writer David West Read worked hard to make it seem like that was the case. That cleverness, in Price’s mind, is what renders a jukebox musical “good.”

But Price also views the genre as an opportunity for Broadway, especially in this time of rebuilding after the pandemic shutdown. “More shows that bring in new audiences are actually important for the Street and for the industry,” Price said. Like the popular music at the center of the show, & Juliet is for the masses. As Price said, “Our target audience, I think, is anyone with a heartbeat.”

So far, Price’s instincts about adding this specific jukebox musical to her producing roster and bringing it to Broadway have answered a need in this moment. As she said, “What I think we also need as culture-seekers and audiences is joy.”

“What is one of those things that reminds us of good? Nostalgia. What’s nostalgic? Music,” Price continued.

“We were a show that I think people had low expectations about coming into Broadway,” Price confided. Yet & Juliet went on to earn nine Tony nominations. “It’s telling the world that musicals and plays of all shapes and sizes of all genres are here,” Price said, including jukebox musicals. “They’re selling tickets, they’re getting nominations, they’re impacting the conversation.”

& Juliet takes center stage July 7 - 12 at the Majestic Theatre as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio series. For more in-depth interviews, up-to-date news and show reviews on Broadway, visit BroadwayNews.com.

ABHANN PRODUCTIONS Presents

RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION

Starring Principal Dancers: KIERAN BRYANT, WILL BRYANT, MAGGIE DARLINGTON, ANNA MAI FITZPATRICK, FERGUS FITZPATRICK, OLIVIA NACHITGAL.

THE RIVERDANCE IRISH DANCE TROUPE, MUSICIANS AND SINGERS AND FEATURED INTERNATIONAL SOLOISTS.

Costume Designer Sound Designer JOAN BERGIN MICHAEL O’GORMAN

For HIGH RES Set Designer

Lead Designer ALAN FARQUHARSON PETER CANNING

Lighting Designer Motion Graphics ANDREW VOLLER COSMO AV

Poetry Written by Orchestrated by THEO DORGAN NICK INGMAN and BILL WHELAN

Press Representative POLK & CO

Composer BILL WHELAN

Producer MOYA DOHERTY

Director JOHN McCOLGAN

Executive Producer/Associate Director PADRAIC MOYLES

CAST

THE RIVERDANCE IRISH DANCE TROUPE

PRINCIPALS

Kieran Bryant, Will Bryant, Maggie Darlington, Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, Fergus Fitzpatrick, Olivia Nachitgal.

TROUPE

Katie Anderson, Lucy Cregoe, Brian Culligan, Rachel Cummins, Francis Fallon, Faythe Madison, Lara Magee, Daniel McCormick, Emily McFadden, Ella Morley, Jack Porter, Dylan Schloss, Noel Spillane, Ellie-Mae Wheeler.

THE RIVERDANCE BAND

Mark Alfred Drums / Percussion / Bodhrán/ Musical Director

Cathal Croke ................................ Uilleann Pipes / Low Whistle

Haley Richardson Fiddle

Emma McPhilemy ............................................. Saxophone

The Riverdance Singers and Drummers Members of the Company

The Riverdance Flamenco Soloist

Rocio Dusmet Orellana

The Riverdance Dervish Folk Dance Troupe

Christine Lesnikova, Illia Pozdnyakov, Ana Turcan Eugina Turcan

The Riverdance Tappers

Dharmesh Patel, Kenard Williams

Poetry Narrated by John Kavanagh

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL IRISH DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL FLATLEY

ORGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY BY MAVIS ASCOTT, JEAN BUTLER, JOHN CAREY, BRENDAN DE GALLAI, COLIN DUNNE, CAROL LEAVY JOYCE, EILEEN MARTIN, PAULA NIC CIONNATH, MARIA PAGES, TARIK WINSTON

PROGRAM

ACT ONE

REEL AROUND THE SUN

The Riverdance Male Irish Dance Principal & Troupe

Original Choreography: Michael Flatley

THE HEART’S CRY

The Riverdance Singers

THE COUNTESS CATHLEEN

The Riverdance Female Irish Dance Principal, Troupe and Folk Dance Troupe

Original Choreography: Jean Butler, Moscow Folk Ballet Company

CAOINEADH CHÚ CHULAINN (LAMENT)

The Riverdance Irish Piper

THUNDERSTORM

The Riverdance Male Irish Dance Principal & Troupe

Original Choreography: Michael Flatley

FIREDANCE

Flamenco Soloist and the Riverdance

Male Irish Dance Troupe

Original Choreography: Maria Pagés, Colin Dunne

SHIVNA

The Folk Dance Troupe and the Riverdance Singers

Original Choreography: Moscow Folk Ballet Company restaged by Svetlana Malinina

SLIP INTO SPRING - THE HARVEST

The Riverdance Musicians

RIVERDANCE

The Riverdance Irish Dance Principals, Troupe, Singers & Drummers

Original Choreography: Mavis Ascott, Michael Flatley (Irish Dance Step Choreography), Jean Butler (Female Solo Choreography)

ACT TWO

AMERICAN WAKE

The Irish Dance Troupe

Original Choreography: Michael Flatley, Paula Nic Cionnath (Set Dance Consultant)

LIFT THE WINGS

The Riverdance Singers

TRADING TAPS

The Riverdance Male Irish Dance Principal & Male Troupe and the American Tappers

Original Choreography: Colin Dunne, Tarik Winston

MACEDONIAN MORNING / THE DERVISH

The Riverdance Musicians & the Folk Dance Troupe

Original Choreography Dervish: Moscow Folk Ballet Company restaged by Svetlana Malinina

RITMOS DEL CORAZON/ANDALUCÍA

The Flamenco Soloist, the Riverdance Male Irish Dance Principal, the Riverdance Drummer

Original Choreography: Colin Dunne, Maria Pagés

ANNA LIVIA

The Riverdance Female Irish Dance Principal & Troupe

Original choreography: John Carey. Additional text adapted from James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake by Bill Whelan

SLOW AIR & TUNES

The Riverdance Musicians & the Flamenco Soloist.

HOME AND THE HEARTLAND/ HEARTLAND

The Riverdance Irish Dance Principals and Troupe and the Riverdance Singers

Original Choreography: Michael Flatley, Colin Dunne, Jean Butler

FINALE

The Company

Story by Bill Whelan, Moya Doherty and John McColgan. Music and Lyrics by Bill Whelan. Original Principal Irish Dance Choreography: Michael Flatley

CAST & BAND

THE RIVERDANCE IRISH DANCE TROUPE

The Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe are world-class Irish dancers. They hail mostly from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia. Between them the dancers can boast of hundreds of championships won in Ireland and abroad. Most started dancing at a young age at local dance schools and progressed to world championship level before being chosen to perform in Riverdance. The dancers would have known and competed against each other at various competitions, including the World Championships. Riverdance has given them the opportunity to perform together in a noncompetitive way. The grace and eloquence of their soft-shoe dance and the power and precision of their hard-shoe routines clearly display the endless hours of practice and their dedication to the art of Irish Dance.

THE RIVERDANCE PRINCIPAL DANCERS

FEMALE LEAD DANCERS

MAGGIE DARLINGTON

Maggie began dancing at age three with the Claddagh School in California. She trained and competed in Irish dance for many years, becoming a World Champion in both solo and team events. She began her professional career in 2010 as the “Bride” in Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Celtic Fyre. The following year, Maggie joined the cast of Riverdance and has continued with the show, performing on stages around the world including Radio City Music Hall in New York City and the World Expo in Dubai as a principal dancer. In 2019, she made her West End debut as a principal dancer in Heartbeat of Home at the

London Palladium. Over the years, Maggie has also performed with contemporary Irish dance companies including Trinity Irish Dance Company in Chicago and Ériu Dance Company in Ireland. She is proud to continue touring with Riverdance.

ANNA MAI FITZPATRICK

Anna Mai from Co. Meath, Ireland began her dance journey at the age of four and danced competitively for sixteen years alongside her brother Fergus. She knew from a young age that Irish Dance was her passion. She won many major championships including the AllIreland Championships, Great Britain Championships and the British Nationals. Anna Mai joined Riverdance 2017 and toured China with the fantastic cast which included her brother Fergus and then performed with Riverdance in the historic Gaiety Theatre, Dublin for two summer seasons. Anna Mai moved into the principal role in 2020 and has toured as Principal dancer with the show on the UK National tour, at Expo Dubai in North American, Europe, China Australia and Japan tour. Anna Mai has also toured with Heartbeat of Home and made her debut as principal dancer in the famous Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End.

OLIVIA NACHTIGAL

Olivia from Western Canada began dancing at the age of 4 years old. She danced competitively for the Mattierin School of Irish dance in Edmonton and won many competitive titles, including placing top 5 at the World championships. She attended the Riverdance Summer School in Dublin in 2019 and her dream came true when she was asked to join the 25th Anniversary Show in 2020. She has since toured North

America, Europe, UK, and China, as well as countless other countries. She is incredibly grateful to Riverdance and is looking forward to continuing her journey in the show.

MALE LEAD DANCERS

KIERAN BRYANT

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Kieran’s dancing career began at the age of four. He studied Irish, classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap and musical theatre. Travelling extensively around the world to compete, Kieran won various titles at a state, national and international level alongside his brother and sister. Kieran is also an accomplished musician and actor. He has appeared in films, television and on stage performing lead roles in musical theatre productions. After attending the Riverdance Summer School in 2016 and touring worldwide with the company, Kieran made his lead debut in the summer of 2022.In 2024 Kieran fulfilled his lifelong dream, performing lead in front of family and friends in his hometown Sydney. He looks forward to continuing to share his passion for music and dance with audiences across the globe

WILL BRYANT

Will is an accomplished stage, film and commercial dance artist. Having trained in various styles of dance including ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and tap, Will felt a deep connection with the culture, musicality, and precision of Irish dance. Born in Australia, he grew up travelling the globe competing in Irish dance, winning State and National titles. Will has performed alongside notable figures including The Wiggles, and appeared on the ABC TV hit: Dance Academy, as well as various films. Will toured with Celtic Illusion and Heartbeat of Home prior to joining Riverdance in 2013. He subsequently landed the principal

role in 2016, a highlight of which was performing lead at Radio City Music Hall in 2025. Having toured over 24 different countries so far, Will is delighted to continue doing what he loves, showcasing his craft, and collaborating with other artists who share his passion.

FERGUS FITZPATRICK

Fergus from Co. Meath, Ireland discovered his passion for dance at the age of eight. With his sister Anna Mai, he grew up competing internationally in Irish dancing competitions. Under the tutelage of Holly and Kavanagh Academy of Irish Dance, Fergus achieved his dream of becoming a World Champion in 2017. He joined Riverdance performing in the renowned Gaiety Theatre Dublin. As a principal dancer he has performed in many prestigious venues including Radio City Music Hall, New York and The Hammersmith Apollo London. His other productions include Heartbeat of Home in London’s Piccadilly Theatre and The Palladium. Fergus is grateful for the continued support of his friends and his family.

THE RIVERDANCE BAND

MARK ALFRED (Drums, Percussion, Bodhrán and Musical Director) Mark Alfred, from Carrickmacross Co. Monaghan, Ireland began playing drums at the age of four. He studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Performing Arts College in Dublin. He is most recognized as being the musical director, drummer and percussionist in the Grammy award winning show Riverdance. He has recorded and performed with some of the biggest artists and shows in the world. His ability to cross so many genres coupled with a unique and energetic style has made him Europe‘s most sought after, and highly regarded drummers and percussionists of today. Mark has

worked with Lionel Richie, Simply Red, Katie Melua, Josh Groban, The Corrs, Imelda may, Paddy Maloney (The Chieftains), The Divine Comedy, Mary Coughlan, Ronan Keating, Westlife, Girls Aloud, Donnie Osmond and the late Christy Hennessy. Mark is also known for his recorded drums and percussion with many recording artists. Most recently he recorded drums and percussion on Bill Whelan‘s new Riverdance 25th Anniversary Album. He made his debut on London‘s West End with the hit show Come From Away at London’s Phoenix theatre. Mark was honored to have been part of the team of composers, musical directors and band to receive an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in music. Mark was also musical director with International show Heartbeat of Home. Mark proudly endorses: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vater Drumsticks, Protection Racket Cases, Sensaphonics, and Poter & Davies Thrones and would like to thank them for their continued support.

CATHAL CROKE (Uilleann Pipes and Whistles) Dublin born uilleann piper Cathal Croke, a Senior All Ireland Champion and Honours Graduate in Music from the University of Limerick, has performed at festivals and toured with productions in numerous countries spanning five continents. He has played for two Presidents of Ireland, was recorded by RTÉ, has shared the stage with Ralph McTell and was recorded in the Hollywood production, There You’ll Find Me starring actors Vanessa Redgrave and Patrick Bergin, music scored by Timothy Williams. Touring with Heartbeat of Home from 2018, Cathal has performed in the London Palladium and later in 2019 in the West End run in the Piccadilly Theatre. LondonTheatreDirect - “Special mention to Cathal Croke for a particularly haunting solo on the uilleann pipes.”

More recently, he was appointed as the musical director of a new Irish music and dance show. He debuted with Riverdance in the Gaiety Theatre Dublin in 2019 and has toured internationally with the show.

EMMA MCPHILEMY (Saxophone)

Emma McPhilemy is a touring saxophonist known for her distinctive, versatile sound. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, she performs across an exceptionally diverse set of genres. She is endorsed by Selmer Paris and Vandoren UK. As an educator, Emma has appeared as a guest at the Palmela International Saxophone Festival and has led masterclasses for postgraduate and undergraduate students at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the Royal Northern College of Music, and other established UK institutions. She has also delivered classes at Berklee (USA) and the University of British Columbia (Canada). Emma was recently the associate saxophone examiner at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she was also a visiting tutor. Recent performance highlights include her debut concerto appearance with the BBC Philharmonic, international touring as musical director and saxophone soloist in Bill Whelan’s Riverdance, an Australian tour with her latest album repertoire, and debut concerto performances in Portugal and Italy. Upcoming projects include a concerto recording for the internationally renowned label Chandos Records, featuring a new work by UK composer Andy Scott. She will also return to the USA for further touring and teaching engagements.

HALEY RICHARDSON (Fiddle)

Haley Richardson is a virtuosic musician who has garnered many prestigious awards, including multiple championships at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All Ireland

Championships), numerous MidAtlantic Championships, and the coveted Fiddler of Dooney awards (2015 and 2018). She brings a rare dynamism and energy to her music, informed by thorough knowledge of the form, mastery of her instrument, and trailblazing, show-stopping technique and emotion evident in every note. Haley’s most recent album, When the Wind Blows High and Clear, with Quinn Bachand, was nominated for 2020 Ensemble of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Haley appeared in the cinema release of Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show at the 3Arena, Dublin, and was invited by Bill Whelan, to record on the Riverdance 25th Anniversary Album. www.HaleyRichardsonMusic.com @haleyrichardson.music

THE RIVERDANCE DERVISH

ENSEMBLE The Riverdance Folk Dance Ensemble combines elegance and grace with verve, dynamism and joyous physicality. The company’s dancers come from a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds and from many different countries throughout Eastern Europe. What they have in common is a dedication to dance and many years of training and performance in pursuit of perfection in their chosen art. Working as individual performers, they have come together for Riverdance, where they will share their individual talents and fuse the many elements that have gone into the development of their own unique style of dance.

THE RIVERDANCE FLAMENCO SOLOIST

ROCIO DUSMET ORELLANA

Born in Madrid, Spain Rocio began her professional career when she was eight years old. She graduated from the Royal Professional Conservatory of Dance Mariemma

in the specialty of Spanish Dance in Madrid. In 2012 Rocio was awarded the Spanish Dance Prize at the XVI National Call for Dance City of Castellón. Rocio has toured France, China, Mexico, Colombia, Italy, Russia, Latvia and the United Arab Emirates as a dancer in the companies of Aida Gómez, Ibérica de Danza, Ballet Carmen Mota, Compañía Jesús Lozano, Inc. Ángel Manarre , and soloist dancer at the Festival d‘Avignon. Her most recent work as a dancer and actress includes the musicals Dirty Dancing, Disney Mickey‘s Music Festival and the Circus of Horrors.

THE RIVERDANCE TAPPERS

DHARMESH PATEL

Dharmesh started dancing at the age of seven and graduated from Bird College of Performing Arts in London 2007. He has danced and assisted with choreography in various shows all over the world. He is disciplined in many forms of dance ranging from classical to hip/hop working in various opera’s at the English National Opera and The Royal Opera House. He’s also a member of Plague, World Hip Hop International Champions 2005 and 2011 in Las Vegas. He currently still dances hip hop, contemporary, popping and locking at corporate events and TV Shows including “Strictly Come Dancing” on BBC1 & Sky 1’s “Got to Dance” as a live semi-finalist. He has performed and assisted with choreography for Cirque Du Soleil and in London West End‘s Opening run of Bodyguard the Musical. Recent performances include playing the male lead in Tap Factory. Dharmesh has performed The American Tap Dancer role in Riverdance for the 20th, 25th and now the 30th Anniversary tours.

KENARD WILLIAMS

Kenard Williams from Henderson, North Carolina, USA has danced all dance styles since the age of five. He joined the North Carolina Tap Ensemble (NCYTE) at the age of 10 and danced with them until his senior year of high school. He was an American Tap Company member in 2018-2019, attending the 2018 World Tap Championships as a part of Team USA. After his time with ATC, he went to college at East Carolina University graduating with honors with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. He studied in Africa as part of his degree to teach dance. After college he moved to Boston, MA. Since 2022, Kenard has become an American Tap Company coach and a guest choreographer at Nancy Chippendale’s Dance Studios. Kenard first joined Riverdance in 2023 and has toured with the show in Europe, U.K, China and the USA.

BILL WHELAN (Composer)

Bill Whelan has composed music for theatre, film and orchestra. His 1997 Grammy Award-winning music Riverdance continues to be performed around the world. To coincide with the 25th anniversary tour, Bill completed a new studio recording of the music from Riverdance, released by Decca/Universal Records, featuring many of the young musicians who play the music live with the show. He also composed a new score for the feature film, Riverdance: The Animated Adventure. His orchestral works include: The Seville Suite, Spirit Of Mayo, The Connemara Suite and Linen & Lace. His musical settings of the literary works of Irish writers include the poetry of WB Yeats, Paul Muldoon, Derek Mahon, Tom McIntyre, Frank McGuinness and Paul Durcan. His music for film includes scores for Dancing At Lughansa starring Meryl Streep, Some Mother’s Son featuring Helen

Mirren and Lamb with Liam Neeson. As a producer in the studio, he has worked with U2, Van Morrison, Kate Bush, Richard Harris, The Dubliners, Planxty, Andy Irvine, Davy Spillane and Bulgarian/Irish band, East Wind. In 2022, his memoir The Road to Riverdance was published, described by Gabriel Byrne as “a fascinating and revealing book about the man and his music.” Bill continues his compositional work, recently completing Stolen Hearts, a work for traditional musicians and symphony orchestra performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland at the National Concert Hall in 2024. Bill is a Fellow of the Royal College of Music and holds two honorary doctorates. He is an Honorary Freeman of the City of Limerick, where he was born.

MOYA DOHERTY (Producer)

Moya Doherty’s career encompasses the creative industries, theatre, radio and television production and presentation, both in Ireland and internationally. She fronted a number of arts, features and documentary programmes for public service media. As executive producer, Moya developed a number of charity Telethons, the Eurovision Song Contest and the televising of the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics held in Ireland in 2003. Moya was the commissioning producer for Riverdance which premiered at the Eurovision Song Contest of 1994. Moya has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Honorary Doctorates from the University of Ulster, University College Dublin and from the National University of Ireland in recognition of her ongoing commitment and philanthropic contribution to the arts in Ireland.

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JOHN MCCOLGAN (Director)

John McColgan is a multi-awardwinning producer and director. He was Head of Entertainment (RTÉ Television), Head of Weekend Entertainment (ITV/TVAM) and was awarded a Jacob’s Television Award (1980). He played a key role in the evolution of Riverdance from the original seven-minute dance number to the full stage show.  He is founding director of Tyrone Productions whose productions include: Quirke (BBC), Beckett on Film (C4), The Hunger (RTE/ARTE), David Brophy’s Choir Series (RTE) and Born to Riverdance (BBC). John served as Chairman of the Abbey Theatre Centenary Committee and directed a critically acclaimed production of Dion Boucicault’s melodrama The Shaughraun. He produced a major theatrical event marking the State visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland (2011). John is the director of Heartbeat of Home which premiered in Dublin (2013), toured in North America and China and played in London’s West End (2019). He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the National University of Ireland. John is an accomplished photographer and is an Ambassador for Trócaire, one of Ireland’s largest development agencies. His recent work includes the documentary This is Palestine and a book of his photography Looking at the Same Moon

PADRAIC MOYLES (Executive Producer/Associate Director)

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Padraic emigrated to New York when he was nine years old. At the age of twelve he starred as the principal actor in the Off-Broadway production of Grandchild of Kings, directed by Harold Prince. Dancing under the tutelage of Donny Golden, he joined Riverdance in 1997, going on to become dance captain and principal dancer. He was nominated

for an Ovation Award for his leading role in the show.  In 2006 he joined the Broadway production of The Pirate Queen as Dance Captain before returning to Riverdance in 2008.  He has had the privilege to perform for heads of state and notable individuals from around the world, including Michelle Obama and Queen Elizabeth II. Padraic is also proud to be the executive producer/ director for the international show Heartbeat of Home which has toured China, North America and played in London’s West End. He was Dance Director and a choreographer on Riverdance: The Animated Adventure. Padraic would like to give special thanks to his wife Niamh, his children Juliette-May and Harrison Rhys, his father, brothers and sister for their continued support. He dedicates all his work to his late mother Christine Moyles.

JOEL BRANDWINE PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Joel has been with Riverdance for 6 years, since the re-imagining of the tour on the 25th Anniversary. Primarily overseeing the Riverdance North American Tour, Joel has worked on many shows, including King Kong (Broadway), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Tour), Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, The Karate Kid Musical and Queen of Versailles When not working with Riverdance, Joel is the assistant professor of technical production at Boston University.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR STAFF

North American Press Representative Polk and Co.

North America Marketing

Production Management

Jennifer Gallagher, Allied Global Marketing.

Joel Brandwine.

Company Manager Jeffrey Mensch

Associate Company Manager

Production Stage Manager

Stage Manager

Shawn Passero

Michael Griffin

Anna Vidergar

Irish Dance Captain Fergus Fitzpatrick, Mairead Trainor

Dervish Dance Captain ............................ Christine Lesnikova

Head Carpenter ............................................. Derek Johnson

Production Electrician ................................... Dominic White

Head Electrician/Relighter ..............................Rose Nuchims

Assistant Electrician/Video Tech

Assistant Electrician

Advance Electrician

Katie Twomey

Mary Anderson

Charlie Hickey

Production Sound Kevin McGing

Head Sound/Monitors

Isaac Sheppard

Assistant Sound/FOH Mixer Justin McIntyre

Wardrobe Supervisor Kristen O’Maley

Wardrobe Assistant Maerius Jean Porter

Physical Therapy / Massage Therapy NEURO TOUR, Physical Therapy, Inc.

Merchandising ............................ MAX MERCHANDISING LLC

International Representation................Second Symphony Ltd

North American Representation ...... WME Entertainment LLC

FOR ABHANN PRODUCTIONS LIMITED

Directors Moya Doherty, John McColgan, David Orr

RIVERDANCE DUBLIN PRODUCTION OFFICE

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Padraic Moyles

General Manager Sean O’Brien

Line Producer Aaron Kennedy

Marketing Manager Mary Keatley O’Donnell

Marketing Executive Jason O’Neill

Costume Shop Supervisor

Monica Ennis

Finance Director ................................................ Ciaran Evans

Financial Accountant ......................................... Michelle Fox

CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Associate Costume Designers and Stylists

Monica Ennis, Niamh O’Connor

Dance Flooring and Covering American Harlequin Corporation

Soft Goods iWeiss Theatrical Solutions

Lighting, Video, LED Screen PRG

Sound Equipment CLAIR Global

Handheld Radios Protocol Telecommunications Inc

Trucking Provided by HenX USA LLC

Tour Buses by Timi’s Tours Transportation

Housing by Road Concierge

Drums provided by ..................................................... PEARL

Cymbals provided by ................................................. Zildjian

Drumheads provided by .............................................. Evans

Drumsticks provided by ............................................... Vater

Protection provided by Racket Cases

US Immigration Counsel Barst Mukamal & Kleiner LLP

Flamenco Consultant .................... Yolanda Gonzalez Sobrado

Photography ........................... Deidre Buck, Barbara Corsico, Ewa Figaszewska, Hugo Glendenning, Jack Hartin, Tom Lawlor, Joan Marcus, Rob McDougall, Alan Rennie, Wouter Vellekoop

POETRY AND MUSIC

Riverdance Poetry Theo Dorgan

Spoken by John Kavanagh

Music orchestrations by Nick Ingram and Bill Whelan

Riverdance soundtrack recorded by Brian Whelan, Brian Masterson and Andrew Boland.

Riverdance soundtrack mixed by ................. Brian Masterson.

THE PRODUCER WOULD LIKE TO GIVE SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO:

RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Limited

Paul McGuinness - Principle Management, Liam Miller, Maurice Cassidy, Tommy Higgins

The Office of Public Works

The National Gallery of Ireland

Elements of the Ardagh Chalice and other artefacts by kind permission of the director of The National Museum of Ireland

PREVIOUS CREDITS

Senior Executive Producer Julian Erskine (1995-2020)

Set Design ............................... Mary Morrow, Robert Ballagh

Lighting Design ................... Andrew Leonard, Rupert Murray, Lighting Design .................. Benjamin Pearcy, John Comiskey

Costumes for Riverdance Eurovision 1994 ...... Margaret Crosse

Costumes for Riverdance – The Show Jen Kelly

Projection

Dick Straker, Chris Slingsby

Projection Animation Benjamin Pearcy

STAY IN TOUCH WITH RIVERDANCE

www.riverdance.com

YouTube.com @riverdance

Instagram @riverdance

Facebook @riverdance

TikTok @riverdance

RIVERDANCE SUMMER SCHOOL academy.riverdance.com

The Musicians employed in this production are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

Backstage Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.).

ATPAM The Press Agents employed in this production are represented by the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers.

General Manager

Deputy General Manager

Event Operations Coordinator

MAJESTIC THEATRE

An ATG Entertainment Venue

Emily Smith

Shannon Phillips

Hannah Weimer

Director of Marketing - Broadway ..............................

Director of Marketing - MCE

Social Media & Marketing Manager

Marketing Coordinator

Emily Walker

Jonathan Miles

Jordan Roberts

Isabella Rodriguez

Premium & Group Sales Representative ..............Adriana Gonzales

Creative Learning Director

Director of Ticketing

Box Office Manager

Alexandra Snell

Paul Stanley Salazar

Amanda Hernandez

Box Office Asst. Manager.......................................

Ops and Ticketing Support Assistant Manager

Jeffery Hensel

Sean Yruegas

Sr. Box Office Representative Evelyn Coronado, Emily Moreno

Box Office Representatives Sebastian Espinoza, Marcela Gomez, Lorraine Martinez, Alyssa Pineda, Hannah Rodriguez, Katalina Vasquez, Vanessa Wiggins

Director of Special Events

Christopher Griffin

Special Events Strategist .......................................

Devon Moreno

Facility and Property Director Stewart Tiller

Facilities and Property Assistant Manager. Daniel McConnell

Facility & Property Theater Attendants. Hector Urrutia, Jayy Gonzales

Director of Production. Rob Oler

Senior Production Manager

Production Manager

Trinity Burton

Ian Harrison

Customer Experience Director Trish Neill

Customer Experience Manager

Luis Dobbs

Customer Experience Asst. Manager ................. Adrian Hernandez

Director of Food & Beverage Melissa Tamayo

Food & Beverage Manager Michael Pellerin

Food & Beverage Supervisor

Sam Boone

F&B Coordinator....................................... Javier Moreno Almanza

Sr. House Managers Celia Berryman, Alyssa-Erika Gomez, Samantha Gray, Lori Ramirez

House Managers Rene Aguilar, Ameen Al-Bahloly, Lewis Andrews, Isaac Benitez, Dolores Cortez, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Charles Hernandez, John Marsalis, Heather Ramos, Jennifer Riojas, Grace Rios, Denise Rossignol, Debra Salazar, Juliana Sanchez, Ariana Tella, Sel Tope,

House Security Leads Rene De Los Santos, Louis DeMarino, Gabriel Gonzales, Heather Pellegrin, Armando Ramirez, David Richardson, Alec Vasquez

ATG ENTERTAINMENT

Group Executive Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer

Group Content & Creative Director

Melanie Smith

Michael Lynas

Chief Operating Officer and UK CEO.....................................................................................................................................

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Product & Technology Officer

Chief Marketing Officer

Nick Potter

John Oldcorn

Sofia Fleming

Richard Zubrik

Phil Lloyd

Chief Legal Officer Lisa Butler

CEO Central Europe

CEO North America

ATG ENTERTAINMENT North America

Lori Hotz, Chief Executive Officer

Kristin Caskey, Chief Content Officer

Erica Schwartz, SVP, Regional Programming

Erik Newson, SVP, Music, Comedy, and Events Programming

Adam Ball, Chief Financial Officer

Mitchell Klein, VP, Ticketing

Stephen Santore, VP, Marketing & Sales

David Neves, VP, Hospitality

Sandra Toste, VP, Property and Operations

Lisa Hauptman, VP, Human Resources

John Rogers, General Counsel

Josh Fuhrer, VP, Business Development

Rainier Koeners, VP, Regional Venues

Pippa Campbell, VP, Broadway Venues

Sally Shen, Chief of Staff

Joachim Hilke

Lori Hotz

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San Antonio Majestic Theatre, Riverdance 30, June 2026 by Encore Magazine - Issuu