Riverdance- The Show returns to Chicago for 16 performances only from Tuesday, Sept. 17, to Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.  The official opening night performance is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. 

Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty, and directed by John McColgan, Riverdance remains a celebration of Irish music, song and dance. While it focuses on the evolution of Irish dance, it showcases similarities with, and influences on, other cultures.

Whelan won the 1997 Grammy Award for "Best Musical Show Album" for his original music and lyrics for Riverdance.   Riverdance had its world premiere at the Point Theatre, Dublin, in February, 1995.

Currently, there are two productions of Riverdance touring the world. To date, more than 12 million people worldwide have seen the show, in addition to some 6.5 million people who have purchased the video versions of the show. Riverdance - The Album, on Celtic Heartbeat/Universal Records, has sold more than two million CDs worldwide and is certified platinum in the United States.

The performance schedule for Riverdance at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, Sept. 17 - 29, will be:

Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 8 p.m.
 Wednesday/Thursday, Sept. 18/19, at 7:30 p.m.
 Friday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21, at 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
 
Tickets for Riverdance, which range from $25 - $75, are now on sale at Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (151 W. Randolph St., 24 W. Randolph St. and 22 W. Monroe St.), by calling the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers (including all Carson Pirie Scott stores, Tower Records, Hot Tix, select Coconuts, Record Town and Camelot) or at ticketmaster.com.   Groups of 20 or more can receive a discount by calling (312) 977-1710.

For further information on the return of Riverdance, please call (312) 902-1400.

Visit the Riverdance website - www.Riverdance.com.