Start of rant...

I was about to start a thread to review Celtic Woman II on PBS. I quickly realized that we would probably repeat the same slam-and-praise cycle from our review of the first production.

Instead, I'll focus comment on and question the practice of lip-synching... the one hugely annoying practice that forces me to give this television production a regretful thumbs down.

All of the performers are great, with solid reputations and legions of fans. Putting aside the satin gowns and fog, the vocal arrangements, especially the four-part harmonies, were excellent. And I just loved Órlagh Fallon's harp and vocal interpretation of Carrickfergus. But I gritted my teeth everytime a close-up revealed exquisite vibrato from all the ladies... without so much as a murmur of a throat muscle! I felt the same watching Máiréad Nesbitt, who apparently played flawlessly while performing Celtic floor gymnastics!

I can understand the producers wanting the DVD of the production to be spot on, but I would feel cheated if I purchased the DVD. I'd be interested in hearing from folks who have seen Celtic Woman live in concert. Do they 'sing' (really) at those events?

The nearest opportunity for me to see CW II this year would be Seattle. Would I drop over 500 bucks for tickets, over the border travel and accommodation to watch lip-synching? File that possibility under 'You gotta be kidding!"

Makes me wonder: Just how widespread is this technique in televised musical productions? Is anyone 'for real'?

...end of rant.