This was my first show in the new BOK Center downtown, and my first time seeing TSO. Honestly it was one of the best shows I've ever seen, and I've seen quite a few. And I had no expectations going into this show. First, the light show and pyrotechnics were incredible. At one point, during an arrangement of Orff's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, the fire was hot enough that we could feel it, and we were on the corner of the back of the floor! (Fire! Fire! Huh-huh-huh.) Second, those guys can play. The guitarists, the pianists/keyboardists, the drummer, the violinists, the bassist --- all very good. Actually the two pianists completely blew me away. They were amazing. Third, the arrangements were solid. Granted, on occasion they got kind of predictable, but overall I enjoyed the way they utilized the 'variations on a theme' approach. Finally, these guys put on a show. They used effects and lighting so well to go with the story (The Lost Christmas Eve I think). And on the 'fun' part of the show at the end, they were all over the stage, giving out serious energy despite the fact that for the most part the pretty conservative Tulsa crowd was sitting and listening politely. (But when the songs were over, the crowd would go pretty nuts.) I think the band was pretty surprised that (1) they sold the show out, and (2) the crowd responded so well. They said they'd come back for sure next year. If you haven't seen TSO and get a chance, go check them out. It's well worth the time.
