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Musical telling the story of the Scots-Irish
2005-01-06
N/A
76 min
A musical, a dance show, and an oratorio all rolled into one. Filmed on the vast stage of Belfast's Odyssey Arena in Northern Ireland, John Anderson's work tells the story of the Scots-Irish - their humble beginnings in the Lowlands of Scotland in the late 1600s, their flight from persecution by the English, their arrival in Ireland and their continuing journey to America in the 1700s, where these pioneers first opened up the frontier.
A crystal-clear performance, supreme in the making and bursting with magical talent.
First, I must reiterate that I am no relation whatsoever to anyone involved in the production of 'On Eagles Wing'. I have watched this musical 17 times on DVD and every time I watch it, it gets better. How this musical did not do as well as Riverdance, I cannot comprehend. Being a Catholic growing up in Northern Ireland, a few scenes in the production had sharp edges. The Lambeg Drum and the siege of Derry are dark shadows that still dwell across the wall of our past. However, history is history, and this musical played it very well. What some of my Catholic friends failed to realise, this is our journey too. Like myself, a great number of us can trace our ancestry to Scotland. Nationalist and Unionist share similar surnames, and, in the past, their ancestors would have shared common goals and beliefs. 'On Eagles Wing', through song and dance, pushes back the cobwebs of history and allows us to stare into the eye of a perfect storm. That storm being the Scots Irish blowing across every corner of what today is called The United States to share the richness of their culture and perseverance. The American war of Independence give birth to a nation that would open its arms to those seeking a 'better life'. Comedy integrated with tragedy, undiluted courage, and a steadfast Christian faith carry the Scots Irish through centuries of an ever-changing America. This musical is steeped in ancestral evolution, it fills the air with clear vibrant vocals and both Alyth McCormack and Peter Corry gallantly pick up the gauntlet. 'On Eagles Wing' not only portrays the monumental talent and explicit vision that congregated to give life to a wonderful story, but it also brings us closer to understanding, 'Who we really are'. Every member of the cast warrants an Oscar in their own right, but the writer and producer John Anderson truly deserves the golden crown. Those of us who know little of the entertainment industry cannot begin to imagine what effort and raw, undaunted persistence it took to put a show of this magnitude on the stage. I can only pray that 'On Eagles Wing' rises from the ashes once again and covers the stages of the whole wide world with what it truly deserves.
