New & Noteworthy: Rivers of champagne at opening night party

By Eileen Murphy

So "Riverdance" has finally made it to Broadway, which has always seemed to be its spiritual home. Opening night was a glittering affair — the dress code was strictly black tie, the audience was chock-a-block with celebrities, and — oh, yes — the performance was marvelous.

Best of all, we got to walk down the red carpet on our way into the theater, in front of dozens of gawkers and photographers. The crowd and paparazzi were surprisingly well mannered — they even pretended that they didn’t recognize us. Such kidders.

Inside the theater, we spied Dr. Ruth Westheimer (who really is tiny) chatting animatedly with some fans, while nearby, Burt Young, forever famous as Adrian’s brother Paulie in the "Rocky" movies, discussed the show with some friends. We also caught glimpses of Liam Neeson, Gay Byrne, Patrick Bergin and "Riverdance" composer Bill Whelan as we scampered to our seat.

After the show, which received a standing ovation and deafening applause, producers Moya Doherty and John McColgan invited actor, "Riverdance" narrator and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Liam Neeson onstage. Neeson joked that he had auditioned for the show as a dancer — "I didn’t get the part," he deadpanned – before introducing the contingent of UN delegates in the audience. On behalf of UNICEF, Neeson accepted a sizable donation — a portion of the opening night proceeds — from the "Riverdance" company. This, Doherty explained, is a long-standing "Riverdance" tradition.

The opening night party was held at the hot new eatery, Cipriani’s, across from Grand Central Station. Just inside the door, we were greeted by white-gloved waiters bearing trays of Bellinis (champagne and peach puree). We had three of them (the Bellinis) before getting to our assigned table. Once there, we surveyed our surroundings.

We had heard that the restaurant was in a former bank, and this was borne out by the rooms’ incredibly high ceilings, marble floors and burnished brass fittings. The décor was lush and understated, with pots of blush roses and shimmering tulle overlays on every table.

We found ourself sitting one table over from Dublin-born actor Colm Wilkinson, who has won practically every award on earth for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the musical "Les Miserables." We asked him about his experience in playing the part in Dublin last year.

"It was wonderful to do the show in my hometown," he said. "That tour was my farewell to the role, if you will, and it was great to be able to do it in Ireland, especially since I love in Toronto now."

So, what did he think of "Riverdance"?

"I thought the show was just marvelous!" he enthused. "Brian Kennedy is an amazing singer!"

We were nodding our head in agreement, when Wilkinson introduced us to Michael Ball, a fellow "Miserables" alum (he was the original Marius), who has collaborated with Kennedy on a number of musical projects.

"Brian and I have been writing songs together," he said, although he could have announced that he was an invader from Mars for all we knew — we were too busy staring at his perfect dimples (the man’s gorgeous!). He said something else and laughed good-naturedly, so we did, too, hoping that he hadn’t asked us a question, and then he was gone.

Another rakishly handsome hunk, Patrick Bergin, wandered into our line of sight, so we asked him his opinion of the show.

" ‘Riverdance’ is a fantastic achievement," he said, blue eyes twinkling. "I’m so happy for everyone, especially Moya and John. And Bill Whelan’s music is magic!"

So, what were his plans for St. Patrick’s day?

"I’ll be attending the Carlow dinner dance with my aunt Kathleen Mulvey, who’s nearly 90," he confided. "I adore her — she’s just wonderful."

Principal dancer Eileen Martin had quite an enthusiastic fan club at one table — her doting maternal aunts, Kathleen, Patricia and Margaret were over from Monahan to attend her Broadway debut. Along with Martin’s parents Anne and Brendan, her sister Barbara and boyfriend Cathal Synnott, they beamed with pride as they watched Eileen accept congratulations from all and sundry.

Martin says she’s thrilled to be performing on Broadway.

"It’s every dancer’s dream, isn’t it?" she asked rhetorically. "But when I was a little girl studying Irish dancing, I just never thought I’d get the chance to perform here.

"Just think," she said. "Pat Roddy and I used to compete against each other in Irish dance contests, and now we’re starring together on Broadway!"

On our way out of the party, we ran into U2 manager Paul McGuinness, who also reps "Riverdance" composer Bill Whelan.

So, when’s the new U2 album coming out? we wondered.

"In September," he revealed.

And what will it sound like?

"It’ll sound like U2," he laughed, before growing serious. "A bit more back to basics. No machines."

We asked him about being awarded the Freedom of Dublin City with the rest of U2. The award carries with it a special Waterford Crystal trophy in the shape of the Joshua Tree, plus a few other privileges.

"Well, it’s a great honor, of course," he said solemnly. "In practical terms, it means that I could graze my sheep in St. Stephen’s Green if I had a mind to.

Anything else?

"And in College Green, as well."

Anything else?

"Of course, it would be great if I could do something about parking fines . . ." he said with a wicked grin. Not that he has any — the guy’s got a full-time driver, natch.

Next week: all the news from the opening night party for "Moon for the Misbegotten," more revelations from Paul McGuinness, plus the winner of the Luka Bloom ticket giveaway.