Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
It’s not often that a new musical from Scotland makes its way to the shores of North America, and some would think that Baltimore is an even more unlikely place for such a production to make its American debut. But that is exactly what’s happening beginning September 6. Baltimore was chosen to host the premiere engagement of Ceilidh, pronounced KAY-Lee, because of a unique new venue in the city, the M&T Bank Exchange, which is part of the iconic Hippodrome Theatre, a space that can be configured into almost anything anyone would need it to be, a space that can host shows, corporate events and weddings. Due to the unique nature of Ceilidh, which includes audience participation that would never work in a traditional theatre space, the M&T Bank Exchange is the perfect venue to allow the cast to interact with the audience and for the audience to become part of the show.
But what is Ceilidh, you are certainly asking yourselves.
Ceilidh is a traditional Scottish social gathering involving dancing, music and storytelling. It is on one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved customs. The show, which had its first developmental workshop in Glasgow, Scotland in August 2024 at the renowned Cottiers, is directed by Sam Pinkleton, the winner of the 2025 Best Director Tony Award for the hit comedy Oh, Mary!. Pinkleton’s notable credits also include The Heidi Chronicles (Movement Consultant), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, Améliee (Choreographer), and the Pasadena Playhouse production of La Cage aux Folles (Director). Pinkleton has been involved with Ceilidh from the start and is very enthusiastic about bringing the show to American audiences.
‘Ceilidh is about bringing people together you might not usually expect to see together, and having as much fun as possible in the process. The group of big-hearted, brilliant actors and musicians we have assembled — from Broadway, Baltimore, and Scotland — is a collision of talents and cultures that could only happen in Ceilidh. I absolutely cannot wait.’ Pinkleton spoke about his introduction to a Ceilidh stating, ‘The first time I went to a Ceilidh in Glasgow I wept, I howled with laughter, I danced so hard I was almost sick. Making Ceilidh is quite literally the most fun I’ve ever had. It’s a giddy joy to live inside the collision of Scott and Claire’s rich, raw, original theatrical world with centuries-old Scottish music and dance traditions. It’s a theatrical experience that has made me reconnect with the thing I love most about theater in the first place — the simple, unshakeable act of gathering with a group of strangers.’
The Scott and Claire referred to are writers Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, who have crafted a universal story of community, duty and honor wrapped inside the fabric of Gaelic culture and Scottish heritage, with both original and traditional music incorporated into the story. Scott is also featured in the show as Ramsay. The show also has a well-known Scotsman behind the scenes, the one and only Alan Cumming. ‘Supporting a show that is a combination of my country’s community culture, and a great yarn to boot is a no-brainer,’ said Cumming. ‘To one and all, I say come to Ceilidh. You’ll literally be swept off your feet!’
Producers Beth Whitman and Barbara Williams are also thrilled to be bringing Ceilidh to the US, and Baltimore in particular. ‘When we first began working with Scott and Claire on Ceilidh through our commissioning program, we knew the passion they brought to the project, but we had no idea that we would fall in love with the heart behind the Scottish tradition of Ceilidh. We’re thrilled to introduce Ceilidh to North American audiences for the first time and there isn’t a better community than Baltimore to welcome the show to this continent.’
All are welcome to join the celebration at Ceilidh, the exhilarating theatrical experience that is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! As the story of Ceilidh unfolds around you, you’ll be swept into a whirlwind of lively Scottish dances, where every step tells a tale and honors a tradition passed down through generations of ‘callers.’ At its heart, Ceilidh is a musical about family, legacy, the enduring power of stories and having a good time! It will leave you with a lasting feeling of joy long after the last dance ends.
Having witnessed a preview of three parts of the show, we can attest that Ceilidh will absolutely lift your spirits and fill your soul with dancing, music and a wonderful story performed by an amazing cast of actors, singers, dancers and musicians. This is truly an event not to be missed.
Ceilidh runs September 6 thru October 12 at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Exchange. Visit the official website for more information. Use our Ticketmaster link to purchase tickets.
CEILIDH: A NEW MUSICAL – HOTCHKA EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
Hotchka
Check our Ticketmaster link for ticket availability.
