“I was in Dublin visiting my parents,” said the performer about the phone call asking her to join the Irish female vocal ensemble, Celtic Woman. “Of course I absolutely jumped at the chance. I was over the moon.”
The 28 year old singer has good reason to be excited. Created by the musical director of “Riverdance,” Celtic Woman has become something of a phenomenon. Their 2005 debut release remained on Billboard Magazine’s World Music chart for a record-setting 81 weeks and their numerous PBS television specials are consistent ratings grabbers.
“I’ve followed the success of the girls over the years,” said McFadden, who joined the band late last year. “I really admire them. They are very dedicated to their work and dedicated to their fans. I think they are very elegant ladies and really good role models for young girls.”
The group, who perform Wednesday at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, mix traditional Irish music with pop songs infused with a Celtic twist. A typical set list by the group may include everything from an Enya tune to a classic like “Danny Boy."
“Every Irish person has grown up with music in their house,” said McFadden by phone from a recent tour stop in Nashville, Tenn. “My mom is one of 11 children and my dad is one of 14 so there are hundreds of us in our immediate family. We were always having parties and without fail there was always music. At some point the guitars would come out and there would be singing. The music is really kept alive because we all keep singing these songs,” she added of Ireland’s rich musical heritage. “My great- great grandparents were probably singing these songs. It’s lovely to have those passed down.”
A native Dubliner, McFadden made her performing debut at the age of 11, playing the role of Annie in the classic musical. The entertainer’s theater background will serve her well in Celtic Woman. More Broadway event than traditional concert, the ensemble’s performances are typically highly theatrical, lavish affairs.
“Visually it is beautiful,” said McFadden of the group’s current production. “The costumes are stunning and the lighting is gorgeous.”
The show will also feature a champion bagpiper, a choir, a six piece band and Irish step dancers. Given the band’s considerable commercial success, it isn’t surprising that McFadden is just a bit nervous in her new role.
“The girls have all worked so hard,” she said of her band mates. “They’ve set the bar so high and are very passionate about what they do. It’s important to come in with the same standards. I want to make them proud.”
A seasoned performer in her own right, McFadden needn’t worry too much about measuring up.
Among the other notable entries on her resume is winning the British television reality show “Grease is the Word,” which landed her the lead role of Sandy in a West End production of “Grease.” She’s been a fixture in London’s musical theatre scene ever since. Now, the singer is eager to lend her performing chops to Celtic Woman’s brand new production called “Believe.” An album and companion DVD of the same name was released in January.
“All of the songs are about belief and hope,” said McFadden. “There’s so much negativity in the world at the moment. All you need to do is turn on the television and see the news.”
McFadden says Celtic Woman’s latest show is designed to give the audience a much needed escape.
"The world can be a hard place and we want to take people out of that for a couple of hours. At times like this, entertainment is really important. I think we need more of it.” So, how does it feel to be an ambassador of that kind of inspiration? “It’s wonderful,” McFadden said. “It’s such an amazing feeling to know you have that ability to share something so powerful.”
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