LORD OF THE DANCE Returns to PPAC, 2/16

Generations of audiences - more than 60 million people from 68 countries - have seen Lord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley, the world's highest grossing Irish dance show. Lord of the Dance returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 8P.

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 have helped catapult Celtic dance mania and Irish dancing into the global spotlight," says Flatley. 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.

Tickets are $58 - $31 and are on sale NOW at the PPAC Box Office (220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence), online at www.ppacri.org and by phone at (401) 421-ARTS (2787). Ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge and are subject to change without notice.

Box Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 10A to 5P; Saturday, 10A to 2P; and through curtain time(s) on performance days.

Discounted admission is available for groups of 20 or more; for more information and to order, please contact Group Sales Representative Paul Hiatt at phiatt@ppacri.org or (401) 574-3162.

Please visit www.lordofthedance.com and www.ppacri.org for more information.