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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
- JOHN FLEMING, Times performing arts critic