Post by sugarsnspice on Apr 23, 2005 9:40:40 GMT -5
Queens … On Fire' - the L.A. Version!
A comparison with the one I watched in Manila
By :Oliver Carnay
www.carouselpinoy.com/olivercarnay
I was ebullient enough to watch "Queens … On Fire" - Grand Olympic Stadium concert (the second stop of an 8-city U.S. tour, San Diego was the first) and really curious as to how such a lavish production (held at the Old Ultra on February 11 & 12) would be presented when it went on its U.S. tour this April.
The most anticipated day, April 2nd came. A throng of cheers filtered from the crowd, which was to the hilt of the venue.
<http://www.carouselpinoy.com/popregpink.jpg> Pops and Regine -- two major talents that have outstripped most artists when it comes to being concert queens -- maintained a healthy dose of verve each time they came up on stage. Without a doubt the pairing of two voices blended well, which could be seen in several duet spots. Erik Santos added glory to that vibrant evening, and projected well beyond audience expectations as he belted out two of his signature songs "I Believe I Can Fly" and "This Is The Moment." In fact, it was one of the most applauded segments. One even said, "magaling pala talaga'ng kumanta si Erik", and promised he would look forward to his next L.A. act.
Regine's rendition of "Shine" and 'I Believe' were also well applauded. The two divas' portion with Erik Santos was another one, and I think was among the best moments of the repertoire. Pops was the 'sexier' one while Regine was 'naughtier.' The spiels were natural. Regine brought her comedic flair up while Pops, after all these years, still was in her regal momentum. Actually, I've enjoyed more during their spiel interactions than with the whole repertoire - with interruptions from those rude security staff. I must tell you that Grand Olympic Auditorium has the most 'unfriendly' security guards in Los Angeles. But that's another story!
I couldn't help but compare the original production (that I saw when I was in <http://www.carouselpinoy.com/eriksantos4.jpg> Manila) with the Grand Olympic Auditorium presentation - the first was lavish and longer, more costumes, more (and better!) dancers.
The Queens were on fire, both sizzled on one stage, but edgily tarnished by the visibly lackluster performance of local dancers, an eyesore onstage. To sum up, there were only two dancers who were good enough to pass as real dancers. Dancers add luster to the total impact of the show and it creates and supports the effectiveness of the featured artists. In this case, people were laughing at the dancers. You see, the audience deserves "what was advertised." Two or three professional dancers would do justice (and we're not asking for anything more) as opposed to ten dancers who can't move and fit themselves in one stage. In this part, Starmedia failed to live up to my expectations.
Knowing that the L.A. crowd was the 'hardest audience to please,' I was short to assume that they would choose the best gowns worn from the show in Manila (the all-white attires were my favorites and the Spanish dress worn by Regine). Several segments were cut down from their original repertoire in Manila. I'm not sure if they are going to rehash this in other cities.
I could understand if the producers were tight on budget. But this is Starmedia we are talking about—who had always promised to deliver us "good quality entertainment" in concert-medium productions. To me, it was just fair. I was waiting for the fireworks but the only technical addition I saw was the confetti hurled up during the last few minutes of the show.
So much for the superlatives most of the writers have printed about this concert. Don't get me wrong because this concert is still one concert 'not to be missed' despite its shortcomings. (More pics from the L.A. concert at www.picturetrail.com/olivercarnayphotos)
A comparison with the one I watched in Manila
By :Oliver Carnay
www.carouselpinoy.com/olivercarnay
I was ebullient enough to watch "Queens … On Fire" - Grand Olympic Stadium concert (the second stop of an 8-city U.S. tour, San Diego was the first) and really curious as to how such a lavish production (held at the Old Ultra on February 11 & 12) would be presented when it went on its U.S. tour this April.
The most anticipated day, April 2nd came. A throng of cheers filtered from the crowd, which was to the hilt of the venue.
<http://www.carouselpinoy.com/popregpink.jpg> Pops and Regine -- two major talents that have outstripped most artists when it comes to being concert queens -- maintained a healthy dose of verve each time they came up on stage. Without a doubt the pairing of two voices blended well, which could be seen in several duet spots. Erik Santos added glory to that vibrant evening, and projected well beyond audience expectations as he belted out two of his signature songs "I Believe I Can Fly" and "This Is The Moment." In fact, it was one of the most applauded segments. One even said, "magaling pala talaga'ng kumanta si Erik", and promised he would look forward to his next L.A. act.
Regine's rendition of "Shine" and 'I Believe' were also well applauded. The two divas' portion with Erik Santos was another one, and I think was among the best moments of the repertoire. Pops was the 'sexier' one while Regine was 'naughtier.' The spiels were natural. Regine brought her comedic flair up while Pops, after all these years, still was in her regal momentum. Actually, I've enjoyed more during their spiel interactions than with the whole repertoire - with interruptions from those rude security staff. I must tell you that Grand Olympic Auditorium has the most 'unfriendly' security guards in Los Angeles. But that's another story!
I couldn't help but compare the original production (that I saw when I was in <http://www.carouselpinoy.com/eriksantos4.jpg> Manila) with the Grand Olympic Auditorium presentation - the first was lavish and longer, more costumes, more (and better!) dancers.
The Queens were on fire, both sizzled on one stage, but edgily tarnished by the visibly lackluster performance of local dancers, an eyesore onstage. To sum up, there were only two dancers who were good enough to pass as real dancers. Dancers add luster to the total impact of the show and it creates and supports the effectiveness of the featured artists. In this case, people were laughing at the dancers. You see, the audience deserves "what was advertised." Two or three professional dancers would do justice (and we're not asking for anything more) as opposed to ten dancers who can't move and fit themselves in one stage. In this part, Starmedia failed to live up to my expectations.
Knowing that the L.A. crowd was the 'hardest audience to please,' I was short to assume that they would choose the best gowns worn from the show in Manila (the all-white attires were my favorites and the Spanish dress worn by Regine). Several segments were cut down from their original repertoire in Manila. I'm not sure if they are going to rehash this in other cities.
I could understand if the producers were tight on budget. But this is Starmedia we are talking about—who had always promised to deliver us "good quality entertainment" in concert-medium productions. To me, it was just fair. I was waiting for the fireworks but the only technical addition I saw was the confetti hurled up during the last few minutes of the show.
So much for the superlatives most of the writers have printed about this concert. Don't get me wrong because this concert is still one concert 'not to be missed' despite its shortcomings. (More pics from the L.A. concert at www.picturetrail.com/olivercarnayphotos)