NEWPORT NEWS — “A Celtic Christmas,” a nationally touring off-Broadway show, is culminating its Christmas tour at the Ferguson Center on Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Meagan Urbanek, a dancer in the show, recently sat down with WYDaily to discuss what attendees can expect.
“A Celtic Christmas,” which is the Christmas show branded by A Taste of Ireland, follows two lovers who are brought together by the Christmas season. The show also features classic Irish songs and traditional Irish dancing.
Urbanek was a competitive Irish dancer growing up, only recently hanging up her competition dance shoes. Through her time competing, she became the Ladies Freestyle World Champion, an All-Ireland medalist and a Solo World Medalist.
“What makes it really special is just being able to perform to different audiences every day around the Christmas season. We’re not just spreading Christmas cheer, but also Irish culture and dance. It’s so special to get people to appreciate that and to bring it to people who may have not seen it before,” Urbanek said.
Urbanek, a principal dancer in the show, has been on tour with the production since April.
“This has been my dream since as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved Irish dance. To be able to do this on a professional level and have this be my job is a dream come true,” Urbanek said.
A Celtic Christmas features live Irish dance, as opposed to many productions that use a backing track of tap sounds. Dancers in the show must rehearse daily and ensure their steps are in line with each other.
“The taps you are hearing in the show are happening right then and there,” Urbanek said.
While the show follows a love story, Urbanek says that she hopes people walk away remembering what the Christmas season is all about.
“The message is really about appreciating the people around you during the Christmas season. You can see on stage when you are watching the show that all the performers are enjoying themselves and our interactions are organic,” Urbanek said.
Tickets for the show are still available. Visit the Ferguson Center Box Office for more information.
To learn more about “A Celtic Christmas,” visit atasteofirelandshow.com.