Its success caught everyone by surprise - not the least the Irish. The first time I heard about the Riverdance phenomenon was at a St Patrick's Day party some years ago where everyone was talking about the show's success. The host had a Riverdance videotape in the house and I still remember how amazing this Irish dance extravaganza looked, even on television. Riverdance (right) is now one of the most successful stage productions and comes second only to The Lion King on Broadway. Now it's headed for Hong Kong in October.
According to the organisers, almost 10 million people worldwide have seen the live performance. Bill Whelan, the composer of the show's music and lyrics, has won a Grammy for 'Best Musical Show Album'. It is nothing if not ironic that such a popular show had its debut in that much ridiculed competition, the Eurovision Song Contest. But Riverdance quickly moved on, upwards and from Dublin to London. It has now been opened in 18 countries and this is the dance troupe's first performance in Hong Kong. At the Hong Kong Coliseum, from October 13. Tickets from $225 to $1,500 on sale from July 17. Hotline: 2815 1516. Also go to
www.gctg.com/riverdance You may have yet to hear about Drama Gallery, but the four members of this theatre group are all familiar faces on the local performing arts scene. Actress Gladys Liu, actor Yu Hon-ting and producer Kevin Lee Yun-ki all worked for Exploration Theatre before forming Drama Gallery in late 1998. Crimson In A Haunted Theatre is their first stage production, and will feature veteran actor Chung King-fai. Crimson is a ghostly tale about an actress who does not realise she is dead. Her spirit lingers around until she meets a man who has been trying to find her. This is not a grisly horror story - the original script, written by Yu, has more to do with love and human relationships. Cultural Centre Studio Theatre from July 13-16 at 8pm, with two matinees on July 15 and 16 at 3pm. $120. Urbtix: 2734 9009.
Jane Harrison's play Stolen is a controversial look at the harrowing experiences of an Australian indigenous family. This Playbox Theatre production begs the question: what happens to a child forced to live a life of dislocation torn between black and white cultures? Stolen, currently playing in London, has sparked controversy in Australia and promises to provoke. It will be staged at The Fringe from July 21 to July 29 at 7pm. $150. Call 2521 7251.