LORD OF THE DANCE Comes to Akoo Theatre in March

Generations of audiences - more than 60 million people from 68 countries - have seen Lord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley (www.lordofthedance.com), the world's highest grossing Irish dance show. Presented by MagicSpace Entertainment and Global Entertainment Group, Lord of the Dance will play the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on March 2 for two performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale.

Creator and Artistic Director Michael Flatley, who added fresh costumes, a visually stimulating set featuring an LED wall and revised lighting and set designs this year, still oversees all aspects of the production.

"I've always dreamed of creating an Irish Dance show that touches the hearts of millions of people worldwide," says Flatley. "I am so proud of the cast and crew who bring this vision to life on stage each and every night."

Lord of the Dance is a classic tale of good versus evil based on mythical Irish folklore that brings a romantic and passionate love story to stage. 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," says Flatley. "Fans can expect 21 scenes of precision dancing, dramatic music, colorful wardrobes and state-of-the-art staging and lighting."

Along with Dance Director Marie Duffy-Pask, Flatley handpicks the cast of over 40 dancers; each has achieved individual recognition as a national or worldwide dance champion. Lee Marshall, CEO of MagicSpace Entertainment, the tour promoter and veteran of blockbuster entertainment events agrees. "These championship dancers have captivated a new generation of fans, and manage the impossible every night. Their collective spirit and energy takes the audience to a time and place that is as imaginative as it is inviting."

Flatley conceptualized and staged the show in a mere 16 weeks but also paid particular attention to the costumes, lighting and staging which are cinematic in scope. "Irish dance lovers and music fans alike will experience the engaging, rhythmic adventures that has helped catapult Celtic dance mania and Irish dancing into the global spotlight," says Flatley. No wonder Lord of the Dance ticket sales exceed more than $800 million worldwide. 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.

Presented by Magic Arts & Entertainment and Global Entertainment Group, "Lord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley" performs at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, for two shows on March 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit akootheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.