Yes, I'm back - a last minute trip only made possible because of the added shows.
I think the most incredible song of the night was Weekend in New England. I just loved his vocals - I haven't heard Barry perform the song like that, with so much life, in a while. The performances of this song have always been great, but this was different. Sometimes Barry can really make a song come alive, to the point where it no longer seems to be a performance - he managed to do that with WINE. He sang softly - and he also sang warmly - yeah, that's it. It felt totally warm and real (even though it's a song about missing someone). The lighting was great, too. I see to remember purple - everywhere. Combine that with the way Barry was singing the song, and it felt like I was lost in this little purple world where nothing existed except Barry's soft voice. I love it when he can do that to me. That's the beauty of getting to see the shows live - that's what makes it worth flying across the country and spending my retirement on this. Someone did yell out during the song, but it was very faint - not sure if Barry heard it - he didn't even pause - I might have detected a brief moment of distraction in his eyes, but it was very brief.
Somewhere in the Night also had a different feel - Barry sang it much more tenderly than he usually does. It really felt like a love song, not a lust song. Ha! I loved it like this. Just makes you want to melt.
So, WINE may have been the most impressive - but Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed was the most fun! Love when he does this. And Barry did a fantastic job, too. He made a comment about enjoying doing it after the song was over - I didn't quite catch what he said - but you could tell from his facial expression and gestures that he enjoyed it.
I'm still loving the energy of New York City Rhythm. I'm also loving Barry's energy during the song. I've noticed the last several times I've seen it performed that he seems to emphasize the parts of the song about his having the NYCR inside of him - almost in an autobiographical way.
Barry has a new joke for the Grandpa segment. Actually, it's not a joke - but it always gets a laugh. He tells that his high school was just dangerous in America - and then he says, "I'm so proud!"
The red suit is gone from the sock hop segment. He still has the red jacket, but Barry's wearing black slacks instead. I did like the red suit, but I think I like this better. Boney Manilow is really getting all those old dances down! Ha! He's so cute when he does that part of the show - yes, cute! They're all cute. I hope it's as much fun for them to perform as it is for us to watch.
Even Now was also amazing - it was a very powerful performance, especially after Barry got up from the piano. I've never noticed this particular mannerism before - but toward the end when Barry sings the line about still feeling the pain, Barry takes his fist and lightly pounds his chest, right over his heart. Great emphasis on the part of the lyrics. Couple that with the expression on his face as he wheels around to go to the back of the stage...if that doesn't rip your heart out, I don't know what will! And that ending note that seems to last forever, spotlights shining down on Barry from all directions is just as dramatic and impressive as I remember it. I didn't catch a photo of it - I'm just not able to take many photos these days - the atmosphere just isn't allowing it. Maybe I can catch one at the next show.
This was almost an entirely civilian audience, but by no means quiet. I thought they were very appreciative of Barry. And I liked that. I had a friend (Barry fan) tell me once, "I don't think about it - I just automatically stand up" - which is kind of what I'm talking about. This audience was here to see a great performer and to be entertained - but they had no clue about how they were supposed to "act". So it was a different kind of experience, but definitely a nice one. There was no lack of excitement and enthusiasm.
And wow - they could sing! I've never heard an audience sing along as loudly to I Write the Songs! Copa, yes. CSWY, yes. But not IWTS!
Copa was fun - it just seems more bright and colorful every time I see it. And I love watching Barry come back up in that tux!
As the curtain came down, Barry blew us a huge kiss and just stood there, side toward the audience, arm extended toward us until he was out of sight. That's one of those poses that will stick in my memory for a long time.
