Summary reviews for all three concerts by Len Rausch with a lot of photos and some videos
Thank you Len!
02/27/2020 – 02/29/2020 Concert Reviews
(Salt Lake City, UT, Parker, CO & Colorado Springs, CO)
Introduction:
After recently attending all three of Jackie’s 2020 Concert Tour opening shows in Utah and Colorado, I thought that it might be a good opportunity to share a few of my experiences with others here. As always, Jackie was phenomenal, and it never ceases to amaze me how I can attend back to back to back to etc. concerts of Jackie’s, and never, even for a moment, feel anything less than totally enthralled, just as though I was having this remarkable experience for the very first time, every time.
At the appointed time, the concert begins, and a hush falls over the audience! The lights dim, the introductory music begins, Jackie’s voice can be heard from off stage; “Come with me, and we’ll be, in a world of pure imagination!”, and you can just imagine that you are hearing an angelic voice emanating directly from the heavens above. Then, the introduction is made, as Jackie makes her grand entrance. And, it’s always an added touch of excitement as we anticipate which beautiful dress Jackie will grace the stage with, this time! In addition to the huge amount of applause that erupts, you can also hear the "Ooh’s and Awe’s" spawned by her mere presence on the stage, as well! And now, it is time to settle back, take a deep breath, and prepare yourself for the most amazing musical experience of a lifetime! And if you just happen to be attending your very first live Jackie concert, then you are really in for a life altering experience, to be sure. Let the magic begin!
Venues:
The 02/27/2020 Venue - The Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City, UT
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater (commonly shortened to the Eccles Theater) had its construction started in 2014, and opened in 2016, so it is a relatively new theatre. It hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, and other entertainment events. The primary "Delta Performance Hall", where Jackie performed, seats 2,468 people. For this performance, the audience was reported to be between 800 and 900.
The 02/28/2020 Venue - The PACE Center, Parker, CO
Parker, CO is home to the Parker Arts, Culture, & Events Center (PACE). It is a venue that hosts art exhibits, art classes, theater productions, and concerts. It is the official home of the Parker Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra established in 1994, that offers a full season of orchestra concerts annually. Not an exceptionally large facility, the seating capacity appeared to be approximately 1100, with Jackie’s concert at an estimated 90%; a very nice crowd for the night.
The 02/29/2020 Venue - The Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Colorado Springs, CO
Built by the citizens of El Paso County, it opened in 1982 with the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra, now known as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra. The Pikes Peak Center has since achieved international approval for its design and acoustical attributes, and artists and critics have spoken highly in their compliments of the Center. More than 200 concerts are hosted by The Center each year
At maximum, there are 1,171 seats on the main floor (Orchestra & Loge), 290 seats on the mezzanine level, and 528 seats on the balcony level (not open for this concert). For this concert, I would estimate that the attendance was close to 80%, so again, a very nice audience for Jackie. And, I would add that it was my personal observation that this was the most enthusiastic audience of all three concerts.
Concert Format:
The format for these three concerts was consistent with many of Jackie’s recent concerts, with Jackie center stage, her musical director, Jorn Swart, at the piano (stage right), and the beautifully incorporated string accompaniment of 1 violin, 1 cello (center stage rear), and her drummer/percussionist (stage left). It created a very effective accompaniment for Jackie, and also provided two very entertaining interlude performances, while Jackie was able to take a short break to refresh herself.
Dresses:
1st set – A dazzling white wrap around dress, cut above the knee, with the left shoulder remaining bare and sleeveless. The shoes were a sparkling silver, with spiked heels.
2nd set – A sparkling silver wrap around dress, also cut above the knee, with elbow length sleeves. Same shoes, as best that I could tell.
Attendance (estimates):
02/27/2020 - ~ 800+
02/28/2020 - ~ 1,000+
02/29/2020 - ~ 1,200+
Preliminary Concert Notes & Observations:
Following her opening performances of “Pure Imagination” and “Some Enchanted Evening”, which were beautifully blended together w/o a break, Jackie made her opening remarks by thanking everyone for attending, and stating that she was already having a fun time, and hoped that everyone else was, too. She announced that she would be performing some of her, and hopefully the audience’s, favorite songs from her most recent album, and from her past albums, as well. Jackie has that magical way of pulling her audience into the moment, and just plain making them feel comfortable! Add a few smiles and a little giggle, and Jackie has the audience eating out of her hands.
I have never known any other performer who could connect with their audience on such a personal and heartfelt level. It’s no great mystery as to why Jackie is so endeared to the hearts of her fans!
The Concert:
1st Set List **
Pure Imagination (from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)
Some Enchanted Evening (from South Pacific)
Reflection (from Mulan)
Phantom of the Opera Medley:
Music of the Night
Point of No Return
All I Ask Of You
I'm Not That Girl (from Wicked)
She Used To Be Mine (from Waitress)
My Heart Will Go On (from Titanic)
Orchestral Instrumental Medley:
Selections from “West Side Story”
Somewhere (from West Side Story)
How Great Thou Art (Standing Ovation)
2nd Set List **
Misty
Burn (from Hamilton)
Requiem (from Dear Evan Hanson)
Falling Slowly (from Once)
Once Upon a December (from Anastasia)
Another Day/No Day But Today (from Rent)
Orchestral Instrumental Medley:
Selections from “The Wizard of Oz”
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz)
The Impossible Dream (from Man of La Mancha)
Encore:
Mio Babbino Caro/Nessun Dorma Mashup
** The set lists were identical for all three performances.
Additional Concert Notes & Observations:
POTO Medley
Jackie made her well known comments about how, after seeing the POTO movie, as a little girl, it inspired her to become a singer, and that the phantom is her muse.
Jackie gave a special recognition that this arrangement was composed by her musical director, Jorn Swart, who then received a well-deserved round of applause.
I’m Not That Girl
Jackie spoke of how, even though she had not yet seen all of the Broadway shows from which she had drawn songs for “The Debut” CD, she had done her research via YT, etc. And, for this one, she really wanted to, in her words, “Make it my own!” And that, she most surely did!
She Used to be Mine
This was blended w/o a break, following “I’m Not That Girl”, with a very effective impact!
On a personal note, I just wanted to point out the super animated and emotional performance that Jackie provided here. I had chill bumps on top of my chill bumps, and the energy that Jackie put into this one was evidenced by the big sigh, and deep breath, that she displayed at the end of the song.
My Heart Will Go On
A big intro here regarding Jackie’s adoration of both Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion, and her aspirations to one day reach their same level of artistry. Paraphrasing Jackie; “I’m not quite there yet, but I’m working on it!”, followed by a little giggle and a laugh. Many of us would argue that she already has!
How Great Thou Art
In previous concerts, Jackie has always dedicated this song, with heartfelt emotions, to her Great Grandmother, only! But now, she has added additional, recent personal losses to the dedication. Jackie’s Great Grandfather, known as “Pap” passed away this year, her Aunt Roz (sp?) was lost to cancer in just recent weeks, and then, sadly, Jackie’s first dog Dewey (sp?) also had recently died.
Pap, who was a centenarian, became known to many of us on a more personal basis through a series of short YT videos titled “Pap’s Memoirs”. I’ve viewed fifteen of them, and as a native Pittsburgher myself, came to love them, and him, as being totally fascinating, humorous, nostalgic and informative. And Pap was always as sharp as a tack in relating his memoirs; what an amazing man, what an amazing family.
Misty
A personal favorite of mine, Jackie added this wonderful surprise to the set list during her 11/22/19 Lima, OH concert. Sitting on a stool, next to the piano, it’s just she and Jorn creating musical magic. It’s very reminiscent of the old lounge, or dinner theater, entertainment settings and the result is like a step back in time. During a piano interlude, Jackie took the time to recognize Jorn, and the audience responded with very appreciative applause.
Burn
Jackie spoke of her current living in NYC, the differences from growing up in Pittsburgh, and how you can just walk down the street being yourself, whatever that might be, and no one will even give you a second look. She particularly loves to view the bright lights of the Broadway show marques, especially that of “Hamilton”. When she heard this song, she really wanted to add it to her new album, but to take on the challenge of the anger expressed, in her own special way. And oh, my goodness, did she ever!
Once Upon a December
Jackie reminisced about loving this song as a child, when she and her siblings would watch the Disney cartoon movie “Anastasia” repeatedly, and because of the reference to December, she always equated it with Christmastime. When she was choosing Broadway related songs for the new CD, she was very happy that the cartoon movie had also become a Broadway musical, as well, which now justified including this song on the CD.
Another Day/No Day But Today
With great emotion, Jackie spoke of how much she cherished the vast amounts of love that she has received from friends, fans and family, but mostly from her sister, Juliet. Through her unconditional love, and personal strength through adversities, Juliet had demonstrated to Jackie how to be a better version of herself! Jackie also stated that she didn’t want to be in a world that didn’t recognize diversity, and that she would always honor that concept. This generated a warm applause from the audience, and it was obvious that it was very much appreciated by Jackie. Afterwards, she lightened the moment by noting, with a slight laugh, that “Yes, that was me harmonizing with myself.”
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
At the conclusion of the second orchestra medley, they moved directly into the intro to SOTR with Jackie making a soft reentry to the stage. However, Jackie noted, before starting to sing, that with her loud heels, it was impossible for her to make a quiet entrance.
Jackie followed up with a very interesting story about her appearance on Oprah’s farewell special, where Jackie opened the show with a performance of SOTR. Prior to that appearance, like most of us, she had never heard of the opening intro to the song, and therefore had to inform the musical director of same. His very direct response was, “Well, this is what you are going to be singing tomorrow!” Jackie went back to her room, and then spent the night learning the intro, and as we all know, ultimately performed it with absolute perfection! But that’s what Jackie always does!
Impossible Dream
Before performing her final song of the evening, this is where Jackie always takes the opportunity to thank all of the members of her team, and to also express her heartfelt appreciation for everyone who came to her concert, stating that she recognizes that she never would be standing on that stage, realizing her impossible dream, without that love and support. It underscores how truly heartfelt and sincere Jackie’s little smiles and/or waves towards various audience members, both young and old alike, are.
O Mio Babbino Caro/Nessun Dorma Encore
Following the extended period of a standing ovation, Jackie eloquently stepped up to the microphone and closed out the evening with this stunning performance, seamlessly mashed up, as only Jackie can. And then crushing it with a spectacular move into the upper stratosphere on the final note of the second “Vincerò”!
And as the crowd went wild with explosive applause, the stage grew dark, Jackie exited stage right, and all of us were left with wishing that it never had to end. But also, left with knowing that we now had a wonderful memory that would last a lifetime. 🎼
Now that's a Review!!!!
Thanks Len!