BILL BROWNLEE / Special to The Star
An enormous helping of musical fruitcake was served Tuesday at Kemper Arena.
And it was delicious.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, like the seasonal dessert, provides an overly sweet assault on the senses. Given the proper suspension of disbelief, however, both fruitcake and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are delightful experiences.
The ensemble’s elaborate orchestral rock thoroughly entertained almost 20,000 people in Kansas City in two shows Tuesday. It’s a remarkable achievement a day after the concept’s Christmas-themed expiration date.
The festive audience of about 11,000 at the evening show resembled the congregation of a suburban megachurch. Families — some represented by three generations — outnumbered couples. The gathering could have been mistaken for a massive faith-based event or political rally. The lusty booing that followed a reference to Hillary Clinton reinforced the perception.
The first of the show’s two parts reassembled the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas material. Complete with narrator, it was not unlike a louder version of “Phantom of the Opera” or an overhauled “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Occasionally breathtaking, the performance was immaculately choreographed and unabashedly theatrical.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is not so much an actual band as it is a conceptual troupe akin to Cirque du Soleil. They blend progressive and arena rock with the durable, malleable Christmas hymns and carols. More than 20 musicians — including a locally based miniature orchestra introduced as “The Kansas City Strings” — took turns in the spotlight.
Almost all relied on histrionics. Vocalists screeched and guitarists showboated. There were a few terrific moments, including the showstopper “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24),” but much of the performance sagged under the weight of its overreaching ambition.
Thank heavens for the pyrotechnics. The show’s stunning visual component almost made the music superfluous. Lasers, lights, indoor fireworks, enormous heat-generating flames and simulated snowfall were employed to tremendous effect. Equally impressive was the transformation of the cavernous arena into a pristine concert hall. The sound throughout Kemper was immaculate.
The second and more satisfying portion of the show followed the necessarily lengthy introductions of the enormous cast. It began with “Christmas Nights in Blue,” a rousing Billy Joel-inspired tune. A spot-on cover of the classic rock staple “Layla” was topped only by a grandiose interpretation of “O Fortuna” from “Carmina Burana.” Their high-camp take on the familiar classical piece sparkled.
A lighthearted keyboard battle between classically trained and rock-based keyboardists morphed into an industrial take on Vince Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy.”
In spite of its clever gimmickry, most of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s music is decidedly pedestrian. But when combined with the peripatetic visual effects, it’s terrific entertainment. At more than 2 1/2 hours, the performance was too long. But the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is all about glorious excess, just as the holidays are a time to indulge. Pass the eggnog.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
When I attended with my friend the performance of Trans-Siberian Orchestra last time, I was more than astonished. Time has run so fast, and when the event is over, I didn’t believe it. Simply, it’s splendid!
Posted by: Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets | November 08, 2010 at 03:19 AM