Review of Ceilidh the Musical (Baltimore)

[carlisle14]

Posted: 10/6/25 at 1:58pm

Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a unique and FUN night out.  It is currently just in Baltimore.  Backed/produced by Alan Cummings, one of Scotland's most beloved actors and directors (currently known by US audiences as the host of the popular reality show The Traitors), this is an experience more than a show. Chairs line the dance floor, as the show involved loads of audience participation and dancing.  As the story unfolds, the entire audience is encouraged to come out to the dance floor where the caller teaches dance steps to Scottish toe-tapping numbers.  Hand holds, jumps, kicks, turns, locking elbows, and more ... and are you dance and learn the moves you're part of the storyline.  The band is on stage, and behind you, and sitting beside you, and dancing in the aisles, and ... you get the idea.  The band members all play acting roles along the way.  At intermission time you get the Scottish treatment with a free shot of Whiskey and a free Haggis tasting.  

The music is simply amazing, and very traditional.  Yes, bagpipes will be ringing out!  

Scott Gilmour is the lead, as well as the creator of the show, book, lyrics, and music.  This is his baby, and it shows.  You can tell the passion he has for it and pours his soul into every moment.  Scott's character and his relationship to his Dad, his evolution toward calling Ceilidh parties, and his budding love relationship with his boyfriend drive much of the storyline.  His Father, played by Euan Morton (Tony-nominated for Boy George bio-musical) has a legit presence on the stage and was a perfect fit to the role.  Scott's Father in his elderly, dementia state is portrayed powerfully by George Drennan.  The story of watching your parents age hits many audience members in the soul, for sure.  

I really hope the show gets legs and backing to continue onward.  It needs to be at venues that can accommodate its unique style, as you need room for at least a hundred plus audience members to get to the dance floor 4-5 times per show to dance along.  It needs to be able to sell itself, as even if you find the venue most patrons would not really grasp what the show is as there isn't much out there like it.  If it can get its footing, it will be a spectacle for many.  It ends its run in Baltimore Oct 12.  If you can make it, go see it.  If you can't, cross your fingers it has the legs to get more stops in the USA and/or off-Broadway.  Cool show.  Very cool.  

[LetTheSunshineIn2]

Posted: 10/6/25 at 6:27pm

I agree with your review.  Definitely more of an experience than a musical, but a really fun time!