Irish Eyes Are Flashing

I thought Lewis Segal’s review of “Riverdance” somewhat short-sighted (“ ‘Riverdance’: Irish Culture on the Hoof,” Nov. 18). “Riverdance” is a “show” aimed at entertaining a diverse audience, not an esoteric dance performance. Judging by the ovation it received on Saturday night, I think it achieved this goal.

I saw “Riverdance” in London last year and felt that the performance at the Pantages had been modified for L.A. audiences: There appeared to be less dancing and too many breaks to allow time for the audience to applaud, and the stage settings were unnecessarily realistic. Perhaps Segal should take the audience and its reaction to an event into account in his reviews. I believe he is trying to tell us what we should enjoy.

PATRICIA COWGILL

Manhattan Beach