Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance Taps Its Way Into Seattle's Paramount Theatre

Lord of the Dance has announced its tour dates including the Seattle engagement on Saturday, November 7. Lord of the Dance will perform two shows only at the Paramount Theatre on November 7 at 2 pm and 8 pm.

Lord of the Dance, produced by Magic Arts & Entertainment, a subsidiary of Tix Corporation (Nasdaq: TIXC), has been touring the country regularly since 1996 and recently wrapped a successful run of more than 25 performances earlier this year. In April 2009, cast members Scott Doherty and Michael McHugh (McHugh for The category of dancers under age 18) were crowned world champions at the World Irish Dance Championships.

Doherty and McHugh beat out more than 6000 dancers representing five continents over the eight-day competition. The championships took place in Philadelphia, PA, the first time the competitions were hosted outside of Ireland and Scotland in its 39-year history. Flatley, who was in attendance, received an award acknowledging his special achievements in Irish Dance such as producing and choreographing multiple Irish dance shows including Lord of the Dance.

"We are so happy for Scott and Michael. Their dedication to Irish dance and exceptional abilities are just some of the reasons they are part of the Lord of the Dance team," says Flatley. He adds, "I was just ecstatic to see them both crowned as world champions and we are very fortunate to have them as part of our cast." Doherty and McHugh are in a cast made up of Irish dance phenoms from around the globe. "Each one is a superstar."

Flatley, Lord of the Dance's creator and artistic director, was the first guest judge to appear on ABC's hit reality television program "Dancing With The Stars." In November 2007, he and cast members from Lord of the Dance performed on the show. The thrilled studio audience clapped throughout and gave a standing ovation as Flatley and his hypnotizing dancers completed the routine.

"That kind of reaction speaks directly to the quality of dancers who I have had the privilege to bring to the stage," Flatley says. "They give of themselves in a way that is unique alone to Irish dancing, stretching a form of dance that has evolved over more than 2,000 years." The dancers' average age is 22, and each one has achieved individual recognition as a national or worldwide dance champion.

More than 100 million people worldwide have seen Lord of the Dance -- the international Irish dancing extravaganza that has performed sold out shows at theaters, arenas and stadiums in over 67 countries. "Our success demonstrates the hunger people have," says Flatley, "to wholly submerge themselves into a world where dancers interpret every nuance of classic good versus evil through modern Celtic music." Lord of the Dance has an ability to connect with the audience and initiate and captivate a new generation. Adding to the visceral and emotional impact are costumes, lighting and staging that are cinematic in scope. "Make no mistake," adds Flatley, "Lord of the Dance begins where modern theatre ends."

Flatley, who originated the role of the Lord, is the company's Artistic Director, a position he has held since the troupe's stunning 1996 debut in Dublin. Twelve years later, his influence continues to resonate throughout every aspect of the production. Irish dance lovers and music fans alike will get a chance to experience the engaging, rhythmic adventure that has helped catapult Celtic dance mania and Irish dancing into the global spotlight. No wonder Lord of the Dance has jettisoned its ticket sales to more than $800 million worldwide. During its highly profitable four-year residency in Las Vegas, an estimated two million people danced along in their seats.

Lee Marshall, president of Magic Arts & Entertainment, the tour promoter and veteran of blockbuster entertainment events agrees. "This cast manages the impossible every night. The dancers spirit audiences to a time and place that is as imaginative as it is inviting."

"Lord of the Dance is truly a worldwide phenomenon," says Bob Cayne, co-promoter and president of Global Entertainment Group. "We are grateful for the chance to play a part in the worldwide success of this show."

Flatley continues to oversee all aspects of the production. The first American to win the All-World Championship in Irish Dance, he was The Guinness Book of World Records holder for having "the world's fastest feet" at 35 taps per second.

Described by the New York Post as "fascinating, rewarding and above all, entertaining," and by the Los Angeles Times as "a showpiece extravaganza," Lord of the Dance is a
mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance. The story is based upon mythical Irish folklore as Don Dorcha, Lord of Darkness, challenges the ethereal lord of light, the Lord of the Dance. Battle lines are drawn, passions ignite and a love story fueled by the dramatic leaps and turns of dancers' bodies begins to build against a backdrop of Celtic rhythm. The action is played out over 21 scenes on a grand scale of precision dancing, dramatic music, colorful costumes and state-of-the-art staging and lighting.

Ticket prices for Lord of the Dance range from $20 - $57 and go on sale on Friday, September 25 at 9 am. Tickets will be available through stgpresents.org, by calling 877-STG-4TIX or in person at The Paramount Theatre Box Office (Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm). Groups of 20 or more can order tickets at 866-798-7469.

Lord of the Dance is an offering of Broadway Across America - Seattle, which is presented with Seattle Theatre Group, and is coordinated by Broadway Across America - Seattle. Red Lion Hotel on Fifth Avenue is the official hotel and Wells Fargo is the official bank.

For more information, ticket sales or memorabilia, please visit www.lordofthedance.com

Broadway Across America is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced the Broadway productions of HAIR, WEST SIDE STORY and Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS. Upcoming productions include MINSKY'S, PROMISES, PROMISES, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and the West End production of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. Touring productions include Nickelodeon's STORYTIME ADVENTURES featuring Dora the Explorer and DREAMGIRLS. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

Magic Arts & Entertainment, headed by Lee Marshall and Joe Marsh, is one of the foremost tour producing companies in the United States. In addition to Mannheim Steamroller, the company is also currently producing the North American tours of "Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance," "The Magic of David Copperfield," "Jesus Christ Superstar" starring Ted Neeley, and "Rain, A Tribute to The Beatles." They are also producing the upcoming tours of "Bob The Builder Live" and "101 Dalmatians! The Musical!" As former owners of Magicworks Entertainment, Marshall and Marsh produced and promoted some of the world's most successful concerts, theatricals and family shows.

Tix Corporation is an integrated entertainment organization offering ticketing services, event merchandising and concert and theatrical productions. It currently operates five prime locations in Las Vegas under the Tix4Tonight marquee, offering up to a 50 percent discount for same-day shows, concerts, attractions and sporting events. It also offers discount golf and dining through its sales locations in Las Vegas. The company sells premium tickets to concerts, theater and sporting events throughout the United States. Its Exhibit Merchandising operation is engaged in branding, product merchandise development and sales activities related to museum exhibitions and other events -- including the King Tutankhamen and Real Pirates tours, selling themed souvenir memorabilia and collector's items in specialty stores in conjunction with the specific events and venues. The company's newest division, Tix Productions, is dedicated to concert and live theatrical promotion and production of events throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Based in Las Vegas, Global Entertainment Group, Inc. has been part of the extraordinary worldwide success of Lord of the Dance since 1998. Global has booked or promoted the show in more than 30 countries where the show has been embraced by a variety of cultures and individuals from all walks of life. In addition, Global is actively involved in many other international entertainment productions, exhibits and live entertainment investments.

 

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