How to go
What: Celtic Woman
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Cost: $47.50-$77.50
Tickets: Call Ticket Center Stage (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Internationally acclaimed vocal troupe Celtic Woman brings its 10th anniversary celebration tour to the Schuster Center Thursday courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association.
Celtic Woman has dazzled audiences with an impressive array of traditional Irish standards, contemporary songs, and classical favorites performed by three pristine vocalists and a Celtic violinist. The troupe is backed by a full band, the Anotas Choir, bagpipers and Irish dancers under the direction of Emmy-nominated music producer David Downes, former music director of “Riverdance.”
In addition, Celtic Woman, particularly bolstered by PBS exposure, has sold over 8 million copies of nine albums and eight DVDs, specifically all nine albums debuted No. 1 on Billboard. They have also been named Billboard’s No. 1 World Music Artist six times.
In advance of the troupe’s appearance in Dayton, one of over 80 cities on the North American tour, Dublin, Ireland, native Susan McFadden, whose West End credits include Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and Sandy in “Grease,” discussed the concert and being considered a role model for young girls.
Q. What are the most essential elements to Celtic Woman’s appeal?
A. “The musical arrangements are so beautiful. The harmonies are gorgeous. One of my favorite things to do as a singer is harmonize. Even though harmonies are hard to learn I love singing them, especially when the ladies blend together. The show also has a classy elegance about it, which certainly makes me proud to be a part of.”
Q. Which numbers in the show do you most look forward to singing?
A. “Everyone in the group has a solo, but mine is ‘Caledonia.’ It’s a lovely, intimate moment. The band doesn’t play — just the piano. It has its own unique, special place. It’s just about the song and the lyrics. Nothing else distracts from it.”
Q. How does it feel to be a part of the sisterhood that is Celtic Woman?
A. “Irish male groups such as U2 and the Chieftains kind of carry the flag of Ireland, but it’s great to be a part of a group of women doing the same. We’re proud to let people know who we are and where we’re from. It’s also very empowering to be on stage as independent women grateful to be performing together touring the world. We’re also great friends who look out for each other.”
Q. So you don’t mind being role models for young girls?
A. “I have two young nieces, and I worry sometimes about how pop music has become sexualized. Celtic Woman wants young girls to know we are about the music, the singing. There are no gimmicks. We present songs in a family-friendly way. It’s refreshing for young girls to see us as we are.”
Q. What do you hope audiences take away from the Celtic Woman experience?
A. “Celtic Woman offers a diverse show. We offer a little bit of everything. There are moments which are lively and cause for audience interaction, but there are also sincere, gorgeous moments that really resonate such as our renditions of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Danny Boy.’ Everybody can find some meaning in the songs we sing. Celtic Woman is able to make people hear songs as if it were the first time. We’ve had amazing audience response so far, and I think people will enjoy themselves.”
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