Riverdance - Live From New York City
Riverdance, the Irish hard-shoe sensation that took PBS viewers by storm,  underwent its second  incarnation withLive from New York City, a 1996 performance filmed at  Radio City Music Hall. While most of the attributes from 1995'sRiverdance: The Showremain--the dazzling ensemble choreography, Bill Whelan's energetic score, and the New Age-y view of Celtic mythology--the most significant difference is at the top, where Colin Dunne replaced bombastic lead dancer Michael Flatley.  Though lacking Flatley's bravura, Dunne is a superb technician who works well with Flatley's former co-lead, Jean Butler.  Flamenco dancer Maria Pagis returns, as do the Riverdance Singers (formerly known as Anuna) with soloist Katie McMahon and the orchestra with fiery fiddler Eileen Ivers.About a half-hour longer than the 1995 original,Live from New York Cityexpands upon the second act's theme of the Irish leaving their homeland for  other parts of the world. "Lift the Wings" becomes a set piece for the people who are saying goodbye (it's hard not to miss the original's solo voice of Aine Um Cheallaigh), and a new song, "Heal Their Hearts," is a showcase anthem for bass Morgan Crowley.  In the most engaging new number, "Trading Taps," a  trio of Irish dancers faces off against two urban American tappers. While much  of this follow-up show will be familiar to those who know the original, it's different enough to be enjoyed on its own  terms. It's also more stylishly shot, but that's also its biggest  drawback--frenetic editing that allows only brief glimpses of the dancers and  leaves the viewer dizzy.--David Horiuchi