By JOHN FLEMING, Times Performing Arts Critic
Published December 29, 2005
Just in time for the new year, Lord of the Dance returns for four shows at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Either Irish hokum or a deeply spiritual experience or a camp classic, depending on your tolerance for Celtic step-dance and music, the production tells the story of a confrontation between Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord, and the Lord of the Dance, a role first performed by Michael Flatley, who is artistic director but doesn't appear in the show anymore. Even though it's little more than a blatant ripoff of Riverdance, which at least deserves credit for originality, The Lord of the Dance has been the highest-grossing dance show in the world since it began in 1996. Trivia from the press release: The dancers "complete an estimated 151,200 taps per performance." Who's counting? 7:30 p.m today, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. $40-$60. 813 229-7827 or toll-free 1-800-955-1045; www.tbpac.org
