The Celtic Thunder performed on November 30th at Chicago Theatre. Chicago was a select stop on their North American Symphony Tour. The shows are the 8th US tour and feature songs from the Celtic Thunder’s new album Holiday Symphony.
The evening was the perfect transition from Thanksgiving into the Christmas season. The beautiful, historic theatre was packed with passionate Celtic Thunder fans. Some arrived gushing in their CT fervor. Fanatics were reprimanded by security for filming segments…repeatedly. They just couldn’t seem to control an obsession to sneak pictures and videos. The performers were greeted with thunderous applause during their initial solo. This squealing fan base had difficulty containing their pleasure about being in the presence of Celtic Thunder. The rest of us became the virgin converts. The contagious enthusiasm rippled through the crowd. The applause was frequent. Standing ovations were a spontaneous and regular occurrence. The zestful response stopped short of panties being whipped on the stage.
The focal point of interest is a very good looking, Irish male quintet that has been performing together since 2008. The current group consists of Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Neil Byrne, Colm Keegan and newest member Emmett O’Hanlon. The song list varied from the classic Away in the Manager to the contemporary Mary Did You Know. The spiritual tunes like O Come All Ye Faithful mixed in with the sentimental melodies of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. They even sang their homeland tributes, Gaudete and Ireland’s Call and then included Fairytale of New York. Individually and collectively, they sang with soul-stirring and heart-swelling holiday harmony. My all-time favorite Christmas song, O Holy Night was sung with unforgettable command by newcomer O’Hanlon. His scorching ‘fall on your knees’ brought everyone to tears and to their feet.
The Celtic Thunder’s holiday show kicks off the holidays with heart and soul. Besides being amazing singers, the guys have a playful comradery that comes across in their jesting shticks. I even found Conductor David Brophy mesmerizing. Brophy led the powerhouse orchestra with animated gestures akin to a personalized Irish jig. The whole show was a delight. My only disappointment was Christmas in Killarney not being on the program. Maybe on the next holiday album?
Running Time: Two hours includes an intermission
Conducted by David Brophy
THU Dec 4th – Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA
FRI Dec 5th – MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, CT
SAT Dec 6th – Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, NJ
SUN Dec 7th – NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Westbury, NY
TUE Dec 9th – Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, PA
WED Dec 10th – Kleinhan’s Music Hall, Buffalo, NY
FRI Dec 12th – Horseshoe Bluesville Casino, Robinsonville, MS
SUN Dec 14th – Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.celticthunder.ie/