The “Celtic Angels” came bearing Christmas gifts of Irish songs and dances –but American holiday music also rang out Friday in Savannah Center.
It was a festive, musical atmosphere filled with jigs, reels, Irish tunes and red, white and blue classics such as “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Put it all together for two, jam-packed, sold-out Savannah Center shows, and all you could say was – “Nollaig Shona” – which is Gaelic for “Happy Christmas.”
The “Celtic Angels Christmas” show was pleasing in any language.
“This is authentic Irish music and dance, and we love it,” said Villager Nancy Beelke, who attended the event with her husband, John. “The costumes, dancing and music are very well done.”
“I like the Christmas music, especially the way they do the Irish songs,” John said. “It’s nice to take some time during the Christmas season to sit back and enjoy a show like this. We saw it before back in Indiana, and we’ll probably see it again.”
The show opened with the five Celtic Angels singers taking the stage in elegant turquoise gowns. Victoria Kenney, Danielle Williamson, Sarah O’Connor, Eimear Crealey and Hollie O’Donoghue opened with a bouncy version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
“My name is Hollie, but I wasn’t named for the Christmas holiday – my parents loved the American singer Buddy Holly,” O’Donoghue said early on.
Williamson offered a show-stopper with her cover of Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
The stage lights dimmed as Williamson nestled on a stool near the corner of the stage, next to the keyboards. She brought warmth and depth to the classic song and earned a loud ovation.
Celtic music took the spotlight with such numbers as “Song For Ireland,” “Irish Roses” and “Caledonia.” Christmas sounded universal on such numbers as “Savior’s Day” and “When A Child is Born.”
The singing was combined with rousing routines by five “Celtic Knight” dancers, including two “River Dance” veterans: Patrick O’Mahoney and Blaine Donovan.
O’Mahoney said he had been with “River Dance” for nearly seven years and he choreographed the “Celtic Angels Christmas” show. He displayed his athleticism and skill on a variety of Irish dances and added a number of high kicks that drew gasps and applause.
It was all part of an Irish Christmas celebration.
“And we’re happy to be in The Villages and share it with you,” Kenney said.
Tony Violanti is a veteran journalist and writes for Villages-News.com.0
