My intial reaction is...mixed. One of the "secret" reasons why Celtic Woman works so well (and this was best expressed in the Green Man Review,
http://www.greenmanreview.com/live/live_celticwoman_2_18_06.htmlwhich I still consider to be the most perceptive piece that anyone has written about CW) is because every element of the show is quintessentially
feminine, from the lovely dresses to the lyrical singing to the settings (think of Chloe in her DVD, singing by a waterfall).
This Celtic Man idea
could work, but it would have to be quintessentially masculine, and I think this Celtic Man show, the way it looks right now, it's maybe a bit too "soft." Looking at the one video that's provided as a sneak peek ("Heartland"), something about it seems too much like a "boy band" (shudder).
The "thunder" angle is interesting and is a strong, powerful idea; but by contrast, the background of the Web site is a lyrical waterfall -- not a very manly image.
Now, as the for songs, is it just my imagination, or is there a complete absence of classical repertory? The fact that Celtic Woman does many classical pieces adds to the beauty of the show. A few powerful baritone/bass classical numbers would strengthen the quality of the Celtic Man selections (e.g., the "Mors stupebit" from the Verdi
Requiem). As it stands, there are an awful lot of contemporary pop songs -- again, putting the show in danger of becoming an "Irish boy band."
In a way, I guess I'm saying that the show needs to "toughen up" a little, if you see what I mean. It's the "man" in "Celtic Man" that needs to be brought to the fore -- and I don't mean in terms of age. (At least that little boy looks suitably serious in the provided "Heartland" video -- but is he actually going to be singing "Puppy Love"? GAG!)
But that's just a first cursory impression. I've only heard one of their tracks and seen one of their videos. The show as a whole could be better than it looks at a first glance. I'm willing to give it a try...but I'm a bit pessimistic.
I will say this, though. When I first heard about this idea, I thought it was a write off. I am now about 30% interested, whereas before, it was 0%.