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"Lord of the Dance" taps its way through Kalamazoo

May 1, 2008

KALAMAZOO--More than 100 million people worldwide have seen Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance," the international Irish dancing phenomenon that comes to Kalamazoo for a single show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium.

"Lord of the Dance" has performed sold-out shows in more than 67 countries, brining in global ticket sales of more than $800 million. Michael Flatley, who originated the role of the Lord, serves as artistic director and continues to oversee all aspects of the production. The first American to win the All-World Championship in Irish Dance, Flatley is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having "the world's fastest feet" at 35 taps per second. He opened the show in Dublin in 1996.

Fans say the show gets better with age, a notion that was further supported last fall, when Flatley and "Lord of the Dance" cast members were invited to perform on ABC's hit reality TV program, Dancing with the Stars. The show is one of the nation's highest viewed programs, with more than 21 million people tuning in at its peak. The studio audience clapped throughout and gave a standing ovation as Flatley and his hypnotizing dancers completed their routine.

"Our success demonstrates the hunger people have," says Flatley, "to wholly submerge themselves into a world where dancers interpret every nuance of classic good versus evil through modern Celtic music."

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. The story is a classic tale of good versus evil based on old Irish folklore, as Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord, challenges the Lord of the Dance.

Tickets for "Lord of the Dance" at Miller Auditorium are on sale now and range from $27.25 to $47.25. They are available at (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858, online at millerauditorium.com, or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo. Groups of 20 or more should call (269) 387-2312 for special discounts.

Media contact: Tracey Lawie (269) 387-2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu

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