I have to give fair warning that this review might be a bit sketchy. I did Platinum just before this
show. Needless to say, I was totally rattled throughout the show. Hey, what can I say - Barry still
has the same hold on me today that he had almost 35 years ago.
I do remember the gorgeous jackets that Barry wore. Not sure if any of them were new - I think I've seen
them all before. But I continue to be impressed by how beautiful they are. Guess I'm going to have to
take a course in fashion just so I can adequately describe them. I would love to raid his closet!
Barry's mood to open the show was a little different - there were times he seemed almost overcome with
emotion. Maybe the Platinum ladies rattled him as much as he rattled us! By mid-way through the show
he seemed to be himself, but the first half was definitely different. Especially This One's For You -
there was one point during that song that it sounded like his voice almost broke.
The piano on the left side of the stage was gone, but the piano and 40's segment on the right side is
still in. Instead of the backups gradually showing up from backstage, they start out all around the
piano. And Barry has to make his way across stage to join up with them.
All of that happening in the side stage area is a real treat for those with seats on the right side. But
with that, and then the Moonlight Serenade dance, it really doesn't seem to be balanced well in terms
of the VIP seats. Now that Barry has eliminated the song from the 60's skit on the left side, those folks
really see much less of him. Add to that the fact that he doesn't always go to the stage seats to shake
hands during Copa. It's his show and he can certainly do what he wants. But I just found out I have
a stage seat on the left side toward the end of May - so I'm very much hoping that he somehow manages
to extend his time on that side a little.
Other than the beginning of the 40's segment, the rest of it is the same as it has been. Something
must have changed in terms of lighting, though. All of this time I've been unable to get a focused
shot of Monica during Chattanooga Choo Choo. And I know others who've had the same problem. But
this weekend, I was able to focus on her. Interesting.
Barry is still doing Moonlight Serenade for the dance girl segment. Since he does Ready to Take a
Chance Again on the road, I wondered if he would start doing that in Vegas. I only saw him do that
twice on the road - neither time seemed to work well. But I don't think it was the song - I still
believe that song is very romantic. I think the difference is that most of the time in Vegas the woman
he chooses knows what he's about to do and what to expect. It was obvious at the two road shows I
saw that the woman weren't at all familiar with his show - so, their reaction was shock and surprise
and they really weren't able to flow with the song. It kind of makes me curious how that particular song
would go over in Vegas... Yet, I also don't want to lose Moonlight Serenade because it's so beautiful.
There was something interesting at this show that I haven't witnessed in quite a while. When the "stars"
lit up behind him during Moonlight Serenade, there were very loud "oohs" and "ahs" from the audience.
I know that there were quite a few Hilton employees at this show - apparently they had never seen
this. Barry seemed pleased by their reaction.
The 50's segment continues to be just Bandstand Boogie (no Love Is A Many Splendored Thing). They
perform the full song. But they've now added back in the part where Kye and Keely dance and then
Kye slides Keely between Barry's legs. While Kye and Keely are finishing up their dance, Barry is
back at the piano (without the spotlight on him) changing jackets.
During his monologue, Barry briefly mentions the upcoming 80's albums. He said that he hasn't decided
what songs he'll include on it. But that he's sure there will be a very emotional version of Like A
Virgin.
The ballads tonight were I Am Your Child, followed by I Made It Through the Rain. And those were
followed by New York City Rhythm. Again, more great piano playing from the guys. He also sang
Can't Smile Without You.
The Mayflower segment is back in the show. Barry started it with They Dance. Kye and Keely did a
great job of dancing. The lighting was much too dark, though.
My favorite big orange chair is back for the funny cigarette skit. I want that chair when I'm
watching my Pinky and the Brain cartoons - LOL! And the lava lamp - well, I'll save that for
tomorrow's review.
The Mandy jacket was beautiful - no, it was brilliant. Just gorgeous. And Barry did an exceptional
job of that medley.
He's changed the way the show closes again. Tonight, he left the stage by walking back into the smoke,
the same way he opened the show. It's a nice touch. I kind of miss the old group hug; but this
really is very effective.
