It's hard to believe that the "New Generation” of Riverdance performers coming to Vancouver weren't yet born when the show launched 30 years ago and became a global cultural sensation.
From June 10-15 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the touring Riverdance 30 production celebrates the show’s 30th-year milestone with added choreography, costumes, lighting, projection, motion graphics and more.
Eight performances are booked at the QE by Broadway Across Canada in partnership with MagicSpace.
The anniversary tour launched in January with the show's fusion of Irish and international dance, performed by many dancers, musicians and singers.
"In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon — continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots," says John McColgan, Riverdance director.
"Riverdance" reboot: Hard to believe, but the 'New Generation' performers coming to Vancouver in June weren't yet born when the show launched 30 years ago and became a global cultural sensation.https://t.co/fTdprPcuMq via @surreynowleader @BACTouring @chengsophia pic.twitter.com/sFNATd5RUe
— Tom Zillich (@TomZillich) May 26, 2025
Composer Bill Whelan says he's gratified to celebrate 30 years of the show he helped create.
"What is even more uplifting is to see the growth in the numbers of young people actively engaging in Irish music and dance since Riverdance began life in 1994," Whelan noted. "This new breed of performers is not only rooted and respectful of their tradition, but also fearless in exploring music and dance forms from all over the world. For me, in a world that seems to grow increasingly narrow and insular, this is a powerful cause for celebration and hope.”
Riverdance began its journey as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision song contest, produced for television by Moya Doherty. The seven-minute dance piece was then developed into a full-length stage show by Doherty, Whelan and McColgan.
In Vancouver this spring, show times for Riverdance 30 – The New Generation are June 10 to 13 at 7:30 p.m., then on Saturday and Sunday (June 14-15) at 2 and 7:30 p.m. daily.
Looking ahead, musicals focused on Michael Jackson and ABBA are among Broadway Across Canada shows coming to Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre during the company's 2025-26 season. The five diverse touring productions are MJ, Moulin Rouge, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia! and Clue, the company announced in April.
Broadway Across Canada's current season in Vancouver concludes with Disney’s The Lion King (Aug. 20 to Sept. 14).
