Companion.

Not exactly the first thing that pops to mind when you see the word Ceilidh in print. For most of us, we’re scratching our heads wondering what in the world it is and how in the world you pronounce it. Unless you speak Gaelic, then you know. And in ancient Gaelic, the word means ‘companion.’ Known more readily now as ‘…a traditional Scottish social gathering involving dancing, music, and storytelling…’ Ceilidh is now a new musical (for those wondering, pronounced ‘Kay*Lee’) making its North American Debut right here in Baltimore at the M&T Exchange. From the collaborative creative minds of Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie (book, music, & lyrics) under the Direction of Tony Award-Winner Sam Pinkleton, this exuberant new immersive theatrical experience effervesces its way into Charm City with performances beginning on September 6^th 2025.

Attending an invited rehearsal/press junket is a privilege; one that was welcomed to members of this media this morning (August 22^nd 2025) for this exhilarating new experience that is Ceilidh. I’ve attended my fair share of such gatherings over the years— seen chandeliers installed and test-dropped, watched tremendous tiger-puppets chase actors all around— but this is a phenomenal first where I actually felt like a part of the magic, included, immersed in the ephemeral nature that is theatre; dancing with the cast of Ceilidh at this rehearsal. “Strip The Willow”, one of the oldest dances performed at a Ceilidh, encourages members of the audience to join in the fun and dance along! (Worry not yee-of-two-left-feet! It’s encouraged but not required!) And sheer amount of enthusiasm from the cast and those of us eager to join in the merriment is the intrinsically necessary medicine that the world at large needs right now.

The show itself appears to be an immersive hybrid of song, dance, music, and storytelling. Deeply steeped in Scottish tradition, the experience promises to be a moving one. The energy in the room— and this was just a morning rehearsal— was charged with an undeniable glee, an unadulterated joy, and an indefatigable effervescence. You won’t be able to help but tap your toes, stomp and clap along; it’s a giddy and infectious sort of joviality that bubbles up inside of you and makes you feel like you’ve found a place to be happy.

Co-creators Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour spoke enthusiastically about how thrilled they are to be sharing this experience here in America and how given the nature of the setting they weren’t sure it would work in the states…until they landed in Baltimore with its unique space at The M&T Bank Exchange. McKenzie was quoted saying that, “…at it’s heart, Ceilidh celebrates family, love, and traditions as they evolve through time…” which is something that resonated beautifully around the room as most of us sat in awe just soaking in her words and her radiant smile.

Gilmour, who is not only a co-creator of the show but is also performing in it a Ramsey, the ‘caller’ shared equal enthusiasm and glee about how wonderful it is to be sharing this with everyone. I caught up with him for just a moment, after all the fantastical dancing and asked him my signature question— “If you had to sum up your experience of working on and creating Ceilidh both in Scottland and bringing it here to the states, using just a single word, which word would you use?”— and his response, after a few polite “that’s-an-excellent-tough-question” type comments was “…Cathartic.” Gilmour went on to explain how meaningful the project was to him, mentioning that he didn’t know he had this in him, and how amazing it was to realize that in sharing this story that it’s not just about Scottish heritage or being from Scottland that it’s really a story for everyone. He also clarified that he meant Cathartic in a positive way, in an openly, feel-good, expressive fashion, providing a great release, and that he was just so excited to share this story with everyone.

The cast features 15 performers (of whom at least one is a Baltimore local!) eager and anxious to tell the tale of Ceilidh this fall as it makes its North American debut in what is quickly becoming ‘Little Broadway’ down here in Baltimore, Maryland. With The M&T Exchange Performance Space being attached to Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre (where three national tour launches are being built this season, not the least of which is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera) debuting a show like Ceilidh in Charm City is another exquisite showcase of just how much the arts and theatre scene is not only alive but thriving in this vibrant city. President of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Ron Legler, was equally enthusiastic to be sharing the morning with the creative team, cast, and media members in attendance, giving a well-deserved shout-out to I.A.T.S.E Local#19 and all of their hard work involved in getting the production built into the space and the space as a whole transformed for the show. Welcoming the crowd with his iconic “Good morning Baltimore, I never get tired of saying that,” Legler proceeded to share how thrilled he was to be, “…shining a spotlight on something truly special: Ceilidh the musical…” continuing on to say that for anyone who hadn’t brushed up on their Gaelic recently that the word translates to party, “…and if there’s one thing we know how to do here in Baltimore? It’s party. So I can’t think of a better home to launch this joyful, high-energy celebration.” 

The show promises to be engaging, enchanting, and wondrous with a vibe of celebration, sharing, community, and passion floating effortlessly through it. Tickets are on-sale now and the limited run will be a unique one-of-a-kind experience here in Baltimore that simply must be seen to be appreciated, experienced, and believed.

Ceilidh starts performances on September 6^th 2025 and plays through October 12^th 2025 in the M&T Bank Exchange— 401 West Fayette Street in the Bromo Arts District of Baltimore, MD. Tickets are available in advance online.