So, I didn't see any wormholes tonight. But that one last night must have delivered some amazing energy because the show was way beyond fantastic tonight. Maybe a thanks to Michael *is* in order...
Power Barry was back. There were still some soft moments, and I'm glad of that. Now that I've had the opportunity to see enough shows to really be able to compare, I've realized that when it's "Power Barry", I'm frequently in awe of the talent. But when it's "Soft Barry", that's when I feel the emotions. Both are thrilling, both can give me shivers and goosebumps and butterflies in the stomach. But after the song is over, what I really "feel" is different. Interesting.
Barry opened in a brand new jacket - new to me, anyway. Was it gray or silver? Whichever, it was very nice - nicely tailored, and the color looked great on him - it was another of those jackets that really make his eyes stand out. And boy, did they stand out and sparkle last night!
There were new thingies on the stage last night. LOL Monitors? Is that what they're called? Barry did mention them at one point. He also said something to the effect that this was the first time in a while that he's been able to enjoy himself, and that it was great. Since I have no involvement in that world, I don't have a clue what it's like - but I know I've seen times when he seemed frustrated - and last night he seemed very happy. There were stil a few sound issues - for instance, during Mandy/Could It Be Magic, they had baby Barry way too loud. You really couldn't even hear present-day Barry. And take that at face value, because I know that the sound is different in different areas of the theater - so I know it's possible that not everyone heard what I did.
Another odd (and briefly scary) moment at the very beginning - no spotlight on the girls as they came out to open the show. I don't think that was just because of where I was sitting. It was just too dark - couldn't even see their faces. And the scary moment continued as Barry walked out. We could see him in the smoke, but as he walked out, it was pitch black. It's always very dark at first, but this was even darker, and seemed to last much longer. Finally as he got to the front of the stage, the spotlight hit him.
They all seemed to be having extra fun tonight with the decades medley - especially during Bandstand Boogie.
The difference that I noticed in the opening medley last night really is a difference. The arrangement of the music between Somewhere in the Night and This One's For You has changed. This is going to take some getting used to for me - it's throwing me off a little - makes me feel a little imbalanced. Could it be that I've just become too accustomed to the way it was before - that I've seen too many shows? Ah, nah - we can't even consider that option! :-)
When Barry got to the part of the show where he talks about the different types of audiences he's had, he mentioned the cement mixer's convention, as usual. But then he decided to go off in a different direction - he said that one night there was a proctologist convention! And that he spent the entire night being afraid to bow. Oh, Barry! LOL
Weekend in New England was performed by "Power Barry." It was back to the passionate performance that we're used to. Except for one very soft moment at the end of the second chorus - he sang "When can I touch you" so softly. That was a nice touch.
Looks Like We Made It was excellent again. And Barry got naughty again - he got REALLY naughty! A little later in the show he commented that it was hot - and then he said, "Is it just us?", motioning between himself and the audience. Well, duh!!!! I'm surprised the smoke alarms didn't go off!
Somewhere Down the Road was my favorite of the night. It was definitely the most emotional performance of all, especially the last part of the song when it's just Barry, no music. Oooh, there was so much emotion in those last lines. And then the way he just sat there after the song was over, as if he were still lost in the song. I was totally carried away by that moment.
Ships was also still excellent - it's still one of my favorite parts of the show. Except that you know it's close to the end of the show when he sings it, darn it. I love the quiver in his voice as he becomes the old man. I loved Barry's facial expressions as he does the young man part, too.
I've been trying to think of the right adjective to describe Barry's performance - almost defiant, definitely exasperated. I'm sure everyone at some point in their life has had at least one moment when their family felt neglected or unappreciated or even unloved. It seems like young adults, especially, don't recognize that life is finite and that what is now won't always be. So, my interpretation of last night's performance was that the young man part of the song was a portrayal of one of those moments - from the young man's perspective. And then the old man part of the song was just the reverse. And it's way too early to be getting this deep... LOL Anyway, fantastic performance!!!!
At the end, Barry said, "Come back, we'll be here forever". I haven't heard him say that in a while. We're going to hold him to that, right?
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