ROCKIN ROAD TO DUBLIN Announces 16/17 National Tour

The producers of ROCKIN' ROAD TO DUBLIN, the new sensation Irish Dance spectacle infused with modern rock music created by World Champion Scott Doherty and veteran Celtic rocker Chris Smith, are proud to announce that the new generation of Irish music and dance will embark on a 60 plus city national tour in its first season with an official launch at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, NC on Thursday, September 22.

Featuring choreographer and lead male dancer Scott Doherty (Riverdance and Lord of the Dance) and lead musician Chris Smith (The American Rogues) along with The Combined talents of some of the most world renowned musicians, singers and Irish Dancers to ever step on stage including Ashley Smith (2004 World Irish Step Dancing Champion), lead vocalist Megan Browning (Harley Boone), ROCKIN' ROAD TO DUBLIN is under the helm of Broadway director/choreographer Jeff Whiting (The Producers -tour; Bullets Over Broadway - tour). Additional cast and creatives will be announced at a later date.

The design team also includes music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Brent Frederick; costume designs by Sarah Coffey and Ashley Wilson; scenic designs by Brian Barker with sound consultation by Trey Smith.

A fusion of Rock and Irish, ROCKIN' ROAD combines the best of both worlds to thrust Irish Dance back into the spotlight. The perfect balance of concert and stage show,ROCKIN' ROAD TO DUBLIN makes history as it redefines Irish Dancing. The show received its world-premiere in January 2014.

Following the run in Henderson, NC, the tour will continue on to more than 60 cities during the 2016/2017 season. In honor of National Dance Day, created to embrace and celebrate dance and the positive influences it has on our society, individual tickets to the majority of announced engagements of ROCKIN' ROAD TO DUBLIN will go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 29th.

BIOS:

Chris Smith (Co-Creator, Executive Producer, Lead Percussionist) is a lifelong musician and performer, touring the world with one of the top Celtic rock bands, The American Rogues. Since 2006 he has been performing as a percussionist in the most popular shows at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. He has also helped create countless productions around the Richmond/Newport News area, including Souled Out and the celebrated Altar Boyz. Chris is a proud Christopher Newport University alumnus, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelors in Technical Theatre and an emphasis in light design. His past lighting projects include My Chemical Romance and Yanni.

SCOTT DOHERTY (Co-Creator, Executive Producer, Choreographer, Lead Dancer) is the 2009 Men's World Champion of Irish Dance. Scott made his professional debut in 2005 with the North American tour of Riverdance. Since then he has toured the world with both Riverdance and Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. Scott was invited to perform the lead role of "Lorcan" in Gaelforce Dance for their 2012/2013 tours of Europe and Asia. Since 2007 Scott has been performing in the Irish dance shows at Busch Gardens, serving as Celtic Fyre's dance captain and main principal dancer since 2012. Scott has also been a guest performer with many acclaimed Irish acts, including the Irish Tenors, Cherish the Ladies, Michael Londra and Andy Cooney.

Jeff Whiting (Director)'s many credits include Associate Director on Broadway productions Big Fish, Bullets Over Broadway (6 Tony Nominations), Hair (Tony Best Revival) and Wicked (Fifth Anniversary) as well as Director/Associate Director of multiple National Tours including Young Frankenstein, Hairspray and The Producers. The New York Times exclaimed, "Mr. Whiting directs with an airy, joyous touch" while The View praised him as "a truly remarkable talent."

Brent Frederick (Music Supervision, Arrangements, Orchestrations)'s Broadway credits include pit orchestra and rehearsal piano work for Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Doctor Zhivago andPippin. Tours include Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Broadway World LA award for best music direction) and Fiddler on the Roof (Atlanta TOTS). Mr. Frederick is the Music Supervisor for Royal Caribbean's Saturday Night Fever and his orchestrations have been performed by Jeremy Jordan, Faith Prince and many headliner acts around the world. Recent new works include Wringer at City Center Stage II, Moonshine & Mistletoe and Ship Show at Yale Institute for Music Theatre. www.BrentFrederickMusic.com

ASHLEY SMITH (Lead Dancer) at the age of three began taking Irish dance lessons from her father and mother in Boston, MA. Ashley was crowned the World Irish Step Dancing Champion in Belfast, Ireland in 2004, the youngest American female ever to win the world title at that time. She went on to win two more world championship titles in 2005 and 2009. In addition, Ashley has won four All Ireland Championships, The Great Britain Championships, The Australian Nationals and numerous North American and Regional titles. A top 30 female finalist on the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance, Ashley was a featured dancer on the Oscar nominated film Silver Linings Playbook.

MEGAN LYNN BROWNING (Lead Vocalist) has been immersed in music since her early days, coming from a family whose love of song was passed down to her generation. The "fiery soul singer" started professionally at the age of 16 and quickly found a deep love of Irish music and culture. Megan took Richmond, VA by storm, starring in many musical projects from Jazz to Prog Rock, which lead her to her own musical group, Harley Boone. "Rockin' Road to Dublin promotes our unique hybrid culture and our heritage of American Rock and Irish Folk and I am extremely proud to be part of it.

For a full list of tour stops and tickets got to: www.rockinroadtodublin.com