Washington D.C. Arena Show
Thanks Debbie Giese for this great review and also for the great pictures!
My
husband Rob and I have been looking forward to seeing Barry in DC ever
since I bought the tickets. I guess we have been busy with a new puppy
and Rob buying a business; it really didn’t hit me until we were
getting ready for the show. Before the show I saw several people I met
last year and a few new friends-Cheryl M., MJ, Karen B., Wendy D., Ann
H., and Alice.
Brian
Culbertson was amazing. They really got the crowd going and pumped up
for Barry. This was the first time my husband has seen Brian C. and
really he enjoyed himself. He turned to me after his performance and
said, I need to get one of his CD’s.
I
still get butterflies right before the show. When the orchestra and
band walk out on stage, I feel the anticipation building. Then the
stage separates and you see the smoke, I cannot help standing, clapping
and cheering with the rest of the crowd. Barry opened with It's a
Miracle and then did lovely medley of Daybreak, Somewhere In The Night,
This One's For You, and The Old Songs.
Barry
started to sing Ready to Take a Chance Again and from previous posts, I
knew this was going to be the dance song. He chose a lady from the
front row to come dance with him. This was her first ever Barry
concert. I am always so happy for the lady that gets picked. The smile
on my face is probably just as big as hers. She was so happy and will
never forget that moment. I know I wouldn’t forget it.
Then came the part where Barry changes 2 or 3 songs from show to show. I was hoping he would do a couple of my
favorites. I was not disappointed at all. He did All the Time and
Weekend in New England. He seems to “crawl” into both songs and sang them
with such passion and emotion.
We
got American Bandstand and the marathon New York City Rhythm. It’s so
nice to see Barry acknowledge and involve the band members. He did I
Made It through the Rain with the Grandpa Joe story. I always love this
story. His face toward the end of the song is priceless when Grandpa
says “Sing it Barry, Sing it”. Barry seems to have a twinkle in his eye
every time. Then he moved right into Can’t Smile without You.
On
a couple of occasions in Vegas, Barry and his singers have performed
the William Tell Overture. We were treated with that rendition on
Saturday. What’s different is they all use their voice and “play”
instruments. Every time I have seen it, Melanie cracks up and starts to
giggle close to the beginning of the song. You can hear the crowd
laughing along. I wonder how many times they rehearse that song before
they do it without laughing hysterically. I would love to see those
outtakes somewhere.
The
funny cigarette bit was performed on the rising platform. The cigarette
wasn’t lit and he asked if anyone had a lighter. He said he was really
looking forward to it. Sasha came out and lit it for him. Again, no
matter how many times I see that segment/skit, I still laugh. It’s
probably the facial expressions along with the comments. What an
entertainer. During What the World Needs Now is Love, we stood up put
our arms around each other and swayed to the music.
During
Mandy, Barry and the white piano rose from underneath the stage. One
song I miss when you see the Music and Passion show in Vegas is Could
It Be Magic. This is such a treat when he performs this in the arena
shows. It is one of my favorites.
When
the first couple of notes of I Write the Songs is played, I feel the
tears welling up in my eyes. I know the show is almost over. Where does
the time go? I try to hold on to every minute as long as possible.
Barry left the stage and then came back and did Copacabana. In the arena shows, there is no “catwalk”, so everything is performed on the main stage. Barry turned around and gave us all a little extra back side wiggle at the end of Copa. I could see my husband looking at me through the corner of my eye. Hey, I’m not dead.
Barry
left once again and everyone was yelling "BARRY" over and over and he
returned and came to the edge of the stage on the platform with the
railing. It felt like you could reach out and touch him. He did Old
Friends and Forever and A Day. The last song was absolutely powerful.
Barry even seemed to be overcome and blown away. He rubbed his hair and
shook his head. I have to admit, that was the best song of the evening.
Once again Barry left the stage and everyone began chanting "BARRY" and
he was kind enough to return again to wave and blow kisses.
Once
again, Barry did not disappoint my husband or me. I think I could see
every show in Vegas and every arena show, and would never get bored. I
would be poor, but never bored. The man is a class act and a wonderful
entertainer. Credit has to also be given to the local orchestra, his
band and his singers. They all work together like a fine oiled machine
and it shows in their performances. THANK YOU!!!!!
**I
tried to take notes one time at a concert, but found that I too
obsessed and missed half of the show, the emotions, the funny faces,
and the little expressions he does. If I missed anything, I am sorry.
Hope you enjoy the review.