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TSO captures Christmas magic — again

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra played at the Show Me Center Wednesday night. (Diane L. Wilson) [Click to enlarge]

Record crowd fills seats in Show Me Center for third concert.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra didn't have to worry about keeping its Christmas rock opera fresh in its third trip to Cape Girardeau in as many years -- more people turned out to see TSO this year than in either of the previous two.

In 2004, 4,300 attended TSO's inaugural Cape Girardeau show. Last year, about 5,000 witnessed the spectacle. This year, 5,500 attended Wednesday night's local installment of TSO's 2006 tour at the Show Me Center.

All the elements that have made TSO a local Christmas tradition were on display again Wednesday night: wailing guitars, their players striking rock-star poses on long sustain notes; pummeling, driving drum beats; delicate, melodic keyboard arrangements; an intriguing story and a light show to rival the best and biggest tours in rock 'n' roll.

New twist

Yes, most of TSO's show was the same, but the music at times seemed heavier than it was in the past. The guitars crunched and wailed in true rock form. And at the same time, the show also seemed more delicate and poignant during the slower ballads -- songs designed to tug at the heart strings and inspire the audience with the loving spirit of Christmas.

The energy put on display by this sprawling group of musicians was no different, though. As always, TSO was feeling the music, letting it take over and pass through them. That energy was, at times, contagious, as the audience clapped along and gave standing ovations frequently throughout the set.

Like the subject of their concert narrative, TSO has captured a certain Christmas magic in its music. Where else can you hear an electric guitar squeal out the melody of "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" except at a TSO concert, or maybe your metal head friend's Christmas party?

Even if you've seen this show before, a TSO concert is so lush and full of musical styles -- gospel, metal, classical, blues, jazz -- that finding something new, or at least something to appreciate again, is an easy feat. It was for the 5,500 at the Show Me Center that night.

Blending carols with rock

TSO split its Wednesday night show into two halves. The first was the rock opera, the telling of "Christmas Eve and Other Stories," which featured TSO's famous blend of traditional Christmas carol themes, theatrics and high-octane rock energy.

As always, the standout was the extremely touching "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," a song that reminds everyone Christmas isn't merry for all. In a close second in emotional impact was "Old City Bar," performed by Bart Shatto's old wino character on vocals and conductor Al Pitrelli on acoustic guitar.

The second half was more rock concert than Christmas opera, with the band rocking out on tunes from all its albums, and some not found on TSO recordings, like "Layla."

Between the two "acts" of TSO's show, singer Tommy Farese (accurately described by Pitrelli as a mix of Alice Cooper and Walter Matthau) asked the audience how many people had seen them before. Judging from the reaction, more hadn't than had. It looks like TSO continues to win fans in Southeast Missouri, so you can probably bank on a return next year. Cape Girardeau has a new Christmas tradition. Three years is probably enough to make it official.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182