New Lord of the Dance Tour Comes To PlayhouseSquare 3/30-31

Sixteen years ago, Michael Flatley created and launched Lord of the Dance (www.lordofthedance.com); today, it is selling out arenas and theatres as the world's highest grossing Irish dance show.

Presented by MagicSpace Entertainment and Global Entertainment Group, the tour arrives in Cleveland at PlayhouseSquare's Palace Theatre March 30-31, 2012. Tickets can be purchased by calling 216-241-6000 or by visiting PlayhouseSquare.org.

Speaking about the show's updates, Flatley says, "We have fresh wardrobes and an exciting new set featuring elements from the successful international tour I performed in last year – we sold out more than 20 dates in the UK. Fans will see technological highlights like video incorporated into an LED wall, as well as a number of changes to the overall lighting and set designs." Flatley, who retired from dancing in 2011, is Artistic Director of Lord of the Dance and oversees all aspects of the production. "We are really excited to introduce our fans to the new visual experience that compliments our show." Flatley added that new interest in dancing sparked by primetime shows like "Dancing with the Stars" has fans anxious to see more Lord of the Dance style shows. Flatley was a special guest on "Dancing with the Stars" in the seventh season and performed on the show in 2007 and 2008.

A 2012 Valentine's Day tour launch is merely coincidence, but is fitting since an integral part of the show is a love story between the two main characters. "Lord of the Dance is a classic tale of good versus evil, based on Irish folklore that brings a romantic and passionate love story to life," says Flatley. 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," says Flatley. "Fans can expect 21 scenes of precision dancing, dramatic music, new colorful wardrobes and state-of-the-art staging and lighting."

Along with Dance Director Marie Duffy-Pask, Flatley hand picks 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.

For more information, tickets or memorabilia, please visit www.lordofthedance.com. Find Lord of the Dance on Facebook at http://facebook.com/MichaelFlatleysLordoftheDance.

About MagicSpace Entertainment
MagicSpace Entertainment is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, Steve Boulay and Bruce Granath and has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows and concerts worldwide for over 30 years. Consistently one of the top 10 promoters in North America, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces and presents more than 250 events in 75 cities per year. Credits include Broadway shows such as Hello Dolly! starring Carol Channing; The Who's Tommy, Donny & Marie – A Broadway Christmas, American Idiot and RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles On Broadway. National tour credits include Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage in Mythbusters - Behind The Myths, The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis, RAIN – A Tribute To The Beatles, David Copperfield, The 101 Dalmatians Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line and concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher, Fleetwood Mac to name just a few. Special tours and events produced or presented on the road include Tutankhamaun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition and Diana – A Celebration. MagicSpace Entertainment has offices in Park City and Salt Lake City, UT. www.magicspace.net

About Global Entertainment Group
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 entered into an exciting new business association in 2010 with the world's largest concert promoter, Live Nation, working together on future entertainment projects such as Lord of the Dance and various other international entertainment productions.

PlayhouseSquare encourages all guests to "Plan Your Visit" ahead of time by visiting playhousesquare.org and clicking the "Plan Your Visit" tab where directions, parking information, dining options, lodging, ticketing policies and other useful information designed to enhance guest experiences at PlayhouseSquare exist. Whether their visit is the first or one hundred and first, PlayhouseSquare is committed to making guest experiences both as memorable and hassle free as possible.

This performance engagement is a part of the Smart Seats program at PlayhouseSquare that offers smart entertainment at a smart price. For more information on Smart Seats, visit playhousesquare.org/smartseats.

Lord of the Dance will have a total of three performances, March 30th at 7:30 p.m. and March 31st at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on-sale now and range in price from $10 - $60 each. To purchase tickets, call (216) 241-6000, log on to PlayhouseSquare.org or visit The PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office. Special discounts are offered for groups of 15 or more. Please call the Group Sales Department at (216) 664-6050 x1 for more information.

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