Riverdance Cast & Band

THE RIVERDANCE IRISH DANCE TROUPE

The Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe are world-class Irish dancers. They hail mostly from Ireland, but also from Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia. Between them the dancers can boast of hundreds of championships won in Ireland and abroad. Most started dancing at three or four years of age at local dance schools and progressed to world championship level before being chosen to perform in Riverdance. The dancers would have known and competed against each other at various competitions, including the World Championships. Riverdance has given them the opportunity to perform together for the first time in a non-competitive way. The grace and eloquence of their soft-shoe dance and the power and precision of their hard-shoe routines clearly display the endless hours of practice and their dedication to the art of Irish Dance.

THE RIVERDANCE PRINCIPAL DANCERS FEMALE LEAD DANCERS

MAGGIE DARLINGTON

Maggie began dancing with the Claddagh School of Irish Dance in California. She won four North American Championships, two All-Ireland Championships and in 2007 won the World Irish Dancing Championships. In 2010 Maggie performed the lead role in Busch Gardens’ production Celtic Fyre and originated the lead female role in Battle of the Dance. She joined the cast of Riverdance in 2011 and became a Principal Dancer, touring extensively with the show in North America and internationally. She was a Principal dancer with Heartbeat of Home. Maggie was most recently involved with the dance production for the film Riverdance The Animated Adventure.

AMY MAE DOLAN

Amy Mae from Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland danced for the Carson Kennedy Academy in Belfast. She won the World Irish Dance Championships and many other major titles. On completion of the Riverdance Summer School she achieved her lifelong ambition to join Riverdance in 2016. AmyMae featured in the BBC’s Born to Riverdance which followed her journey to become the Principal Dancer in the cinema release of the Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show filmed in the 3Arena Dublin. AmyMae is a reformer Pilates instructor and creates content for her YouTube channel and Instagram. She would like to thank her family, friends and teachers for their continued love and support and everyone involved in Riverdance for their unrelenting inspiration and endless encouragement.

ANNA MAI FITZPATRICK

Anna Mai began her dance journey at the age of four and danced competitively for sixteen years alongside her brother Fergus. She knew from a young age that Irish Dance was her passion. She won many major championships including the All-Ireland Championships, Great Britain Championships and the British Nationals. Anna Mai joined Riverdance and toured China with the fantastic cast which included her brother Fergus. She moved into the principal role in 2020 and toured extensively with the 25th Anniversary Production including the UK national tour, Expo Dubai, the North American

tour and most recently in Dublin, Ireland. Anna Mai has also toured with Heartbeat of Home and made her debut as Principal Dancer in the famous Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End.

MALE LEAD DANCERS

WILL BRYANT

Born in Sydney, Australia, Will trained with the Halloran Dance School in Irish, ballet, contemporary and tap from the age of four. Will performed lead roles in musical productions and made regular appearances on TV. At university he studied for a Bachelor of Music and is an accomplished guitarist. An ambitious athlete, Will is studying personal training on and off tour. Following an impressive competitive Irish dance career, placing top-three internationally and winning state and national titles, he went on to perform with Celtic Illusion and Heartbeat of Home. In 2014 he joined Riverdance and has toured worldwide. Will is thrilled to be part of the lead team.

FERGUS FITZPATRICK

Fergus from Co. Meath, Ireland discovered his passion for dance at the age of eight. With his sister Anna Mai, he grew up competing internationally in Irish dancing competitions. Under the tutelage of Holly and Kavanagh Academy of Irish Dance, Fergus achieved his dream of becoming a World Champion in 2017. He joined Riverdance performing in the renowned Gaiety Theatre Dublin. As a Principal Dancer he has performed in many prestigious venues including Radio City Music Hall, New York and the Hammersmith Apollo, London. His other productions include Heartbeat of Home in London’s Piccadilly Theatre and The Palladium. Fergus is grateful for the continued support of his friends and his family.

MATTHEW GARDINER

Matthew began Irish dancing in Denver, Colorado and moved to Galway, Ireland and continued dancing under the Hession School of Irish Dance. He won 30 major championship titles, including 3 World championships. With his brother Michael, they created Irish dancing history when they won their respective World titles in the same year. Matthew attended the Riverdance Summer School and was selected to join Riverdance in 2017. He performed in the Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show in the 3Arena, Dublin (2020), on the UK National Tour (2021) and North American Tour (2022) and joined the lead team at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin. Matthew and his brother Michael showcase their creative side with @ gardinerbrothers and they have over 350 million views on social media. Matthew is a qualified Civil Engineer from the National University of Ireland, Galway and a championship winner in tennis, soccer and basketball.

THE RIVERDANCE BAND

MARK ALFRED (Drums, Percussion, Bodhrán and Musical Director) Mark Alfred from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, Ireland studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Performing Arts College, Dublin. He is most recognized as being the Musical Director, drummer and percussionist in Riverdance. His ability to cross so many genres coupled with a unique and energetic style has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after and highly regarded drummers and percussionists of today. Mark has worked with Lionel Richie, Simply Red, Katie Melua, Josh Groban, The Corrs, Imelda May, Paddy Moloney (The Chieftains), The Divine Comedy, Mary Coughlan, Ronan Keating, Westlife, Girls Aloud, Donny Osmond and the late Christy Hennessy. Mark

recorded drums and percussion on Bill Whelan’s Riverdance 25th Anniversary album. He made his debut on London’s West End with the hit show Come From Away at London’s Phoenix theatre. Mark proudly endorses: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vater Drumsticks, Protection Racket Cases, Sensaphonics, and Porter and Davies Thrones.

CATHAL CROKE (Uilleann Pipes and Whistles) Dublin born uilleann piper Cathal Croke, a Senior All Ireland Champion and Honours Graduate in Music from the University of Limerick, has performed at festivals and toured with productions in numerous countries spanning five continents. He has played for two Presidents of Ireland, was recorded by RTÉ, has shared the stage with Ralph McTell and was recorded in the Hollywood production, There You’ll Find Me starring actors Vanessa Redgrave and Patrick Bergin, music scored by Timothy Williams. Touring with Heartbeat of Home from 2018, Cathal has performed in the London Palladium and later in 2019 in the West End run in the Piccadilly Theatre. LondonTheatre Direct - “Special mention to Cathal Croke for a particularly haunting solo on the uilleann pipes”. More recently, he was appointed as the Musical Director of a new Irish music and dance show. He debuted with Riverdance in the Gaiety Theatre Dublin in 2019 and then toured with the show in Minneapolis and Chicago, on the UK national tour and at Expo Dubai. Cathal is honoured to be performing with the Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show.

HALEY RICHARDSON (Fiddle) Haley Richardson is a virtuosic musician who has garnered many prestigious awards, including multiple championships at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All Ireland Championships), numerous MidAtlantic Championships, and the coveted Fiddler of Dooney awards (2015 and 2018). She brings a rare dynamism and energy to her music, informed by thorough knowledge of the form, mastery of her instrument, and trailblazing, show-stopping technique and emotion evident in every note. Haley’s most recent album, When the Wind Blows High and Clear, with Quinn Bachand, was nominated for 2020 Ensemble of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Haley appeared in the cinema release of Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show at the 3Arena, Dublin, and was invited by Bill Whelan, to record on the Riverdance 25th Anniversary Album. www.HaleyRichardsonMusic.com @haleyrichardson.music

HANNAH RICHES (Saxophone) Hannah Riches is a freelance saxophonist and woodwind player based in London having studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She predominantly works in musical theatre, most recently touring the UK with Dreamgirls. Hannah has also worked with the Mariinksy Theatre Orchestra, Chineke Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra. Her saxophone quartet Marici Saxes has performed across Europe and in 2019 toured China. The group have broadcast live on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune programme and have amassed nearly 2 million views of their popular YouTube videos.

THE RIVERDANCE DERVISH ENSEMBLE

The Riverdance Folk Dance Ensemble combines elegance and grace with verve, dynamism and joyous physicality. The company’s dancers come from a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds and from many different countries throughout Eastern Europe. What they have in

common is a dedication to dance and many years of training and performance in pursuit of perfection in their chosen art. Working as individual performers, they have come together for Riverdance, where they will share their individual talents and fuse the many elements that have gone into the development of their own unique style of dance.

THE RIVERDANCE FLAMENCO SOLOIST ROCIO DUSMET

Born in Madrid, Spain Rocio began her professional career when she was eight years old. She graduated from the Royal Professional Conservatory of Dance Mariemma in the specialty of Spanish Dance in Madrid. In 2012 Rocio was awarded the Spanish Dance Prize at the XVI National Call for Dance City of Castellón. Rocio has toured France, China, Mexico, Colombia, Italy, Russia, Latvia and the United Arab Emirates as a dancer in the companies of Aida Gómez, Ibérica de Danza, Ballet Carmen Mota, Compañía Jesús Lozano, Inc. Ángel Manarre, and soloist dancer at the Festival d’Avignon. Her most recent work as a dancer and actress includes the musicals Dirty Dancing, Disney Mickey’s Music Festival and the Circus of Horrors.

THE RIVERDANCE TAPPERS LAMONT BROWN

Lamont is excited to be back with Riverdance 25th Anniversary show. He performed as Andy Lee in the national tour of 42nd Street, featuring the iconic choreography by Randy Skinner. He worked on Norwegian Cruise Line performing Warren Carlyle’s choreography as a Tap Brother in After Midnight. He has most recently been seen in the World Premiere of Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz at Paper mill Playhouse and the Broadway National Tour of White Christmas. His regional work includes Hairspray, Singin’ in the Rain and Jared Grimes’ new production of 42nd Street at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts in Minnesota and Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago. He has been fortunate enough to work alongside some of New York’s most sought-after theatre choreographers, including Denis Jones, Al Blackstone, Lorin Latarro, Jeff Whiting, Jason Sparks, Richard J. Hinds, Dewitt Fleming, Shannon Lewis, Mary Anne Lamb and Lisa Gajda. Lamont is a New York-based performer and choreographer. Graduate of the Dance Theatre Conservatory at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Proud member of the Actors Equity Association. @LamontBrownNyc LamontBrownNyc.com

DHARMESH PATEL

Dharmesh Patel graduated from the Doreen Bird Performing Arts College in 2007. Since graduating he has performed in numerous operas for the English National Opera and the Royal Opera House and at Buckingham Palace, London for King Charles III. He starred on Sky 1’s Got to Dance as a semi-finalist and he’s also a member of Plague, who won the World Hip Hop International Championships in both 2005 and 2011. He was one of the original cast in Bodyguard the Musical in London’s West End and has choreographed and performed for Cirque Du Soleil.

BILL WHELAN COMPOSER

Bill Whelan has composed music for theatre, film and orchestra. His 1997 Grammy Award-winning music Riverdance continues to be performed around the world. To coincide with the 25th anniversary tour, Bill completed a new studio recording of the music from Riverdance, released by Decca/ Universal Records, featuring many of the young musicians who play the music live with the show. He

also recently finished recording a new score for the animated feature film, Riverdance: The Animated Adventure. His orchestral works include: The Seville Suite, Spirit Of Mayo, The Connemara Suite and Linen & Lace. His musical settings of the literary works of Irish writers include the poetry of WB Yeats, Paul Muldoon, Derek Mahon, Tom McIntyre, Frank McGuinness and Paul Durcan. His music for film includes scores for Dancing At Lughansa starring Meryl Streep, Some Mother’s Son featuring Helen Mirren and Lamb with Liam Neeson. As a producer in the studio he has worked with U2, Van Morrison, Kate Bush, Richard Harris, The Dubliners, Planxty, Andy Irvine, Davy Spillane and Bulgarian/ Irish band, East Wind. Bill is a Fellow of the Royal College of Music and holds two honorary doctorates. He is an Honorary Freeman of the City of Limerick, where he was born.

MOYA DOHERTY PRODUCER

Moya Doherty’s career encompasses the creative industries, theatre, radio and television production and presentation, both in Ireland and internationally. She fronted a number of Arts, Features and documentary programmes for RTÉ. As Executive Producer, Moya produced a number of charity Telethons, the Eurovision Song Contest and the televising of the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics held in Ireland in 2003. Moya developed the original concept for Riverdance and was the Commissioning Producer for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1994. Moya has sat on a number of arts related Boards including seven years as Chair of the Dublin International Theatre Festival, The Abbey Theatre, The Ark Children’s Theatre in Dublin, Business to Arts and Walnut Hill Arts School in Massachusetts. Moya has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Honorary Doctorates from the University of Ulster, University College Dublin & from the National University of Ireland in recognition of her ongoing commitment to the world of the arts in Ireland Since 2014 she has been Chair of the RTE Public Service Media Board.

JOHN MCCOLGAN DIRECTOR

John McColgan is a multi-awardwinning producer and director. He was Head of Entertainment (RTÉ Television), Head of Weekend Entertainment (ITV/TVAM) and was awarded a Jacob’s Television Award (1980). He played a key role in the evolution of Riverdance from the original seven-minute dance number to the full stage show. He is founding director of Tyrone Productions whose productions include: Quirke (BBC), Beckett on Film (C4), The Hunger (RTE/ARTE), David Brophy’s Choir Series (RTE) and Born to Riverdance (BBC). John served as Chairman of the Abbey Theatre Centenary Committee and directed a critically acclaimed production of Dion Boucicault’s melodrama The Shaughraun. He produced a major theatrical event marking the State visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland (2011). John is the director of Heartbeat of Home which premiered in Dublin (2013), toured in North America and China and played in London’s West End (2019). He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the National University of Ireland. John is an accomplished photographer and is an Ambassador for Trócaire, one of Ireland’s largest development agencies. His recent work includes the documentary This Is Palestine and a book of his photography Looking at the Same Moon.

PADRAIC MOYLES EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Born in Dublin, Ireland Padraic emigrated to New York when he was nine years old. At the age of twelve he starred as the principal actor in the Off-Broadway production of Grandchild of Kings, directed by Harold Prince. Dancing under the tutelage of Donny Golden, he joined Riverdance in 1997, going on to become Dance Captain and Principal Dancer. He was nominated for an Ovation Award for his leading role in the show. In 2006 he joined the Broadway production of The Pirate Queen as Dance Captain before returning to Riverdance in 2008. He has had the privilege to perform for a number of heads of state and notable individuals from around the world, including Michelle Obama and Queen Elizabeth II. Padraic is also proud to be the Executive Producer/ Director for the international show Heartbeat of Home which has toured China, North America and played in London’s West End. He was Dance Director and a choreographer on Riverdance: The Animated Adventure. Padraic would like to give special thanks to his wife Niamh, his children Juliette-May and Harrison Rhys, his father, brothers and sister for their continued support. He dedicates all his work to his late mother Christine Moyles.

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Juniper Street Productions is Hillary Blanken, Chris Batstone, Joseph DeLuise, Guy Kwan, Ana Rose Greene, Victoria Bullard, Ross Leonard, Sadie Alisa and Hannah Wilson. Over the last 20 years, JSP has helped create over 130 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, over 20 national tours, and numerous Las Vegas productions. Current and selected shows include: Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Moulin Rouge!, Tina, Beautiful, The Band’s Visit, The Color Purple, Fun Home, King Kong, Memphis, The Producers, Spider-Man and Waitress.