Bringing a slice of Ireland's holiday charm to the stage, "Christmas in Killarney" has hit Utah with an old-fashioned festive production that promises to warm hearts. The show, set in 1920s Killarney, spins a narrative of an Irish woman returning from America with her fiancé to meet her kin, against a backdrop of illustrious Irish dance and live music. As tickets go on sale starting at a modest $19, it's shaping up to be one of the season's most accessible family experiences in musical theater, as detailed by the City of Provo.
Featuring a cast that includes a 2009 World Champion of Irish Dance, Scott Doherty, and renowned touring musician Chris Smith, the show is infused with cultural traditions and the spirit of an Irish Christmas. Smith remarked on the historical cultural ties, saying, "a lot of the Christmas traditions we have here in America come straight from Ireland," as per the City of Provo, while Doherty echoed the importance of tradition in his visual narrative, during an interview with The Sun Gazette. Displaying an intersection of dance virtuosity and theatrical proficiency, the production is directed by Broadway vet Jeff Whiting alongside Emmy-winner Jason Ardizzone-West on scenic design, creating a polished narrative that hooks spectators from the opening number.
The infusion of "world-class Irish dancers and musicians" has drawn positive remarks from reviewers and audiences alike, according to early feedback. Front Row Reviewers lauded the synergy of the show's elements, with many audience members looking forward to incorporating this outing into their annual holiday ritual. The mix of familiar carols and exuberant Irish music, performed by a live band and vocal ensemble, provides a supporting soundstage for the athletic finesse of the dancers, as per the City of Provo.
