THOUSAND OAKS — Every year, Margaret O’Carroll puts together a show that brings to life the meaning of Christmas and revives a culture in “An Irish Christmas.”
Audiences gather to experience the awe-inspiring story telling, music, song and dance. As recently seen by viewers on PBS, it is the talent and soul in this production that allows the show to be reborn every year.
O’Carroll herself was a member of the Irish National Folk Theatre with an extensive classical music background. “My great love and passion is folk theatre and being able to tell stories that translates through tradition,” said O’Carroll.
Through various forms of interpretation, the show brings to life old Irish traditions such as shoemaking, dancing on the half door and butter making. Each tradition reveals part of Ireland’s past which both educates and enlightens audiences. Dancers include members of the Kerry Dance Troupe, stars of Riverdance and Magic of the Dance alongside many other exceptional dancers whose hard work has created a wonderful form of art.
The instruments featured in the show include uilleann pipes, fiddles, the button accordion, bodhráns, and flutes. Rare Irish carols will be sung by noteworthy vocalists as well as more familiar carols like “Silent Night,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Carol of the Bells.”
The best Irish artists are collected cohesively in one production which allows the audience to experience Ireland to the core. All members have worked tirelessly as creating such a production can be incredibly demanding. The hard work is all behind the scenes, however, as what is seen on stage seems simply effortless.
“It is a beautiful interpretation of who we are as a people,” said O’Carroll. “This is the only show of its kind as you never get anything shallow on our stage.”
Audiences can be a part of an incredible Irish experience by getting tickets via Ticketmaster for Sunday, December 22 at 2:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Known for its sold-out shows and standing ovations, “An Irish Christmas” reminds those in attendance to appreciate the enriching Irish culture.
