If he had electric guitars in his arsenal to weave into his compositions? He might just have written his 10th symphony and rocked the Chicago Theater as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra did recently in Chicago. The self-proclaimed "rock theater" show was met with a thunderous ovation from the eager sold-out crowd ranging in ages from twelve to seasoned rock veteran. Eighty percent have previously seen TSO perform their annual wintertime favorite "The Lost Christmas Eve", while the other twenty percent were initiated into the realm of rock-n-roll gone classical, this time to the sounds of Ludwig Von Beethoven morphed into a sonic delight. From the opening medley, through ballads, anthems, soaring guitars, and an encore of Night Castle selections, TSO was tight and fully magnificent.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra |
The Chicago Theater
Chicago, IL
April 17, 2010
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Beethoven’s Last Night is a tale of conflict, regrets of past deeds, fate, twists of fate, the devil on a soul and music stealing mission, lies, deceit and a chance for redemption. Would Beethoven save his soul at the cost of his music disappearing from the realm of humankind, or would his music live on at the price of his soul?
The narrated story intertwined a clever plot line with Beethoven and TSO original pieces, played and performed masterfully by a sharp dressed cast. Exactly what one has come to expect from this professional production. Roddy Chong, the resident acrobatic violinist, was supernatural as he flew around the stage playing like he was possessed. If you like crunchy guitars, keyboards, stick twirling drums, a string section including some local Chicago talent, amazing vocals and choreographed dance…you will love these interpretations of Beethoven. The sound in the Chicago Theatre was just right. Loud and clear yet not a hint of reaching for earplugs. Visually the production was a slightly pared down version of the winter tour. Lasers, video clips and smoke lavishly adorned the stage. Guitar virtuoso Al Pitrelli conducted the band from the stage with guitar in hand. Mid-show Al performed an extended solo that had the audience smiling from ear to ear.
The encore of Night Castle pieces, were a perfect crescendo to an evening of pure sensory pleasure that brought everyone to their feet. As is tradition for TSO shows, a $1 from every ticket was given to a local charity. On this night $3,300 to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and providing hope and support to those who are touched by it.
What would Beethoven think about the power of electric guitars? What would he compose to take full advantage of the vibrations he would feel? Would his senses have been delighted as he watched musicians flying around the stage embodying the passion of his music? Maybe his 10th symphony would be exactly what was performed this night. Paul O’Neil, Robert Kinkel and Jon Oliva have created yet another must see production that every rock-n-roll aficionado and TSO fan will enjoy. Don’t miss this one next time it most assuredly makes another stop in Chicago and the clock strikes midnight and all may potentially be lost!
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