Take your partner by the hand, the dance is about to begin…
A ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee” for all the non-Scots :) is a traditional Scottish gathering where folk come together to share in music and dancing. Ceilidh dances have been handed down for generations and are a shared cultural language throughout Scotland, and many other parts of the world.
In 2018, Noisemaker were invited on to the Grove-Whitman Commissioning Program in NYC. This is run by Tony-award winning Broadway producers Beth Williams (WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, ANGELS IN AMERICA) and Barbara Whitman (A STRANGE LOOP, FUN HOME). The program allowed us to create, pitch and develop an idea for a new piece. And ours was CEILIDH!
CEILIDH invites audiences to join the party and spin the night away wrapped in one of Scotland’s oldest traditions. Led by a caller and traditional folk band, CEILIDH leads us through the steps and stories of Scotland; accompanied with a dram or two along the way! As the evening unfolds, the story of one family, linked by love and duty to tradition, plays out through the dances. The impact of a single moment - the decision to get up and join the dance - is celebrated through their lives, and leads to reveal the reason we’re gathered together tonight.
Following the commissioning program, we were delighted when Barbara and Beth decided to come on board as Lead Producers to take the show to production. Shortly after we brought on board Tony-nominated Director, Sam Pinkleton (HERE WE ARE; NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET; YOU WILL GET SICK) and Musical Supervisor, Kris Kukul (BEETLEJUICE; HEAD OVER HEELS)
Most recently, CEILIDH saw its first public workshop performances take place in Glasgow, Scotland, at the renowned Cottiers. The show will make its US premiere in 2025.
To hear some demos from the show check out our music page here.