A touring Irish music and dance production built around live tap battles is landing in Central Ohio this October, with stops at two historic theaters in Central Ohio. A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music & Dance Sensation performs at the Palace Theatre in Columbus on October 17 at 7:30 p.m. and at the Midland Theatre in Newark on October 28 at 7 p.m., giving the region two chances to catch the show during its world tour.
According to myfox28columbus.com, the production traces Ireland's history through traditional Irish dance presented in a modern style, featuring a cast of international dance champions led by headliners Callum O'Neill, Barry Teague and Emily Grace. The show is presented by Pace Live and pairs a contemporary musical score, scenery and lighting effects with reimagined versions of Danny Boy and Wild Rover, both performed by musicians alongside a modern soloist, the outlet reports. The production has already toured Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada, with runs in the West End and off-Broadway, per the same report.
A Taste of Ireland was created, directed, and produced by Australian performers Brent Pace and Ceili Moore; Moore previously performed in Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, according to BroadwayWorld. Pace Live presents the production. The show's live tap battles are paired with traditional Irish accordion, Celtic flute, and guitar.
Two Historic Theaters in Central Ohio
The Newark stop unfolds at the Midland Theatre, a 1,200-seat venue that originally opened in December 1928 as a Spanish-inspired movie palace and vaudeville hall, according to the Midland Theatre's own history. The building was forced to close in 1978 after the Blizzard of '78 caused flooding, leaks, and severe boiler damage, leaving it vacant for 14 years until preservation efforts began in 1992. The Newark Midland Theatre Association is a volunteer-led nonprofit, according to Dusty Tires.
In Columbus, the show arrives at the 2,695-seat Palace Theatre, designed in 1926 by architect Thomas W. Lamb to resemble France's Palais de Versailles. From the 1930s through the 1950s, the Palace served as the most active live stage house in downtown Columbus, regularly hosting national vaudeville acts, big bands, and touring theatrical productions, per the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts. CAPA acquired the Palace in 1989 and continues presenting performances there. The Palace was also scheduled to host a Bob Dylan concert.
A Region Already Hungry For Irish Culture
Central Ohio's appetite for Irish music and dance is well established beyond the theater district. The Dublin Irish Festival takes place in nearby Dublin, Ohio.
Tickets and information for both Central Ohio performances of A Taste of Ireland are available at atasteofirelandshow.com, according to myfox28columbus.com's report. The Columbus show is set for October 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, while the Newark performance follows October 28 at 7 p.m. at the Midland Theatre.
