Trans-Siberian Orchestra Returns To Philly
by Alex Lloyd Gross
In your lifetime, you will learn that a band called Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be playing a concert near where you live. It is very important that you attend—at least once in your lifetime.
In Philadelphia, they played two shows yesterday at the indoor sports arena where the Sixers and Flyers play. The show was amazing.
Depending on demand, TSO will play two shows—a matinee and an evening performance—in the same venue, and yesterday it was time for Philly to be blessed by this band. There is something happening during the show no matter where you are sitting.
In the front row on the floor, you get an up-close-and-personal experience, almost like a private concert. Midway on the floor, the performers walk up and down the aisles, shaking hands and posing for selfies. Sitting in the back, there is a smaller stage set up with levitating platforms that band members stand on, bringing the show up close and personal as well.
The show is divided into two parts. The first is a story narrated by Bryan Hicks. His powerful voice draws you in as beautiful graphics appear on the screens behind him. It may be old Europe or somewhere else, but you are completely transported. The story this year is The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve.
When Hicks completes the story, it’s time for band introductions, followed by more songs played straight through. Some you may not be 100 percent familiar with, while others—like “Carol of the Bells” and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo”—are radio favorites. These songs especially come alive with fire, lasers, smoke, and levitating platforms.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo Delaware Valley News.com Joel Hoekstra plays in the audience at last night’s show.
The fire effects consume the entire stage, starting with regular flames and then magnesium, which burns green. This is a newer effect that many TSO fans have not seen until this tour.
There is no intermission and no opening act. For about 2½ hours, it’s all TSO. During this time, no one is scrolling social media or playing on their phones—for fear they might miss something.