"Dion is a vocalist who is powerful, consistent and not in need of distractions"

[Céline's Blues]

07/03/2007

The Sun Sets On Dion's 'New Day'

By: Joe Murray , The Bulletin

 

 

Las Vegas - Las Vegas is a town known for hosting some of the biggest names in show business. Elvis Presley, who made Vegas a Graceland West in the 1970s, was a fixture on the Strip, as was Tom Jones, the Rat Pack, and lest we forget Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton. Throughout the years, entertainers have rolled their tourbuses through the streets lined with glitz and glamor, but very few have dared to call Vegas home.

To some in the music industry, Vegas is God's waiting room for has-been musicians. It is where one goes when he is past his prime and unable to keep up with modern trends. And while such accusations are baseless and out-of-touch, Vegas finally has another artist who has, once again, proven that Vegas is a place one goes to showcase talent, not to let it die.

 

Five years ago, the landscape of the famed Strip changed dramatically when Caesars Palace opened its arms, and its pocket book, to internationally-acclaimed recording artist Celine Dion.

 

Dion, who has sold over 155 million records worldwide, and is best known for the "Titanic" theme song, "My Heart Will Go On," was approached by the gaming group and offered a permanent show on the Strip.

It did not take long for the singer to agree, for such an arrangement would permit her to do what she loves best - sing - and be with the people she loves most - her son and husband. The sun rose on "A New Day," the name of her show.

 

As part of the deal, Caesars Entertainment Corporation built The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, a $95 million, state-of- the-art, 4,148-seat arena tailored to the needs of Dion and her audience. One of the perks of the theater? Technology that vigilantly monitors humidity levels, to protect Dion's vocals from the dryness of the desert.

 

As one walks into the massive theater, one is greeted with a light misty smog that is the direct product of the artificial humidity levels. And while the mist creates a mildly eerie, yet somewhat mysterious, environment, the concertgoer is immediately taken by the extensive layout of the stage, which is easily 100 feet deep.

While this author was seated center orchestra, there is clearly not a bad seat in the house. The design of the theater, which has two balconies, permits all of Dion's 4,148 fans - she is customarily sold out every night - to enjoy the show. And it is definitely a show to enjoy.

 

At 8:30 p.m. last Friday, the lights dimmed, the audience roared and Celine Dion, without the hassle of an opening act, took to the stage for a 90-minute show of pure vocal power. Dion is not just a talented singer, she sets the bar for perfection and competence.

 

Throughout her set, which includes hits such as "A New Day," "Power of Love," "I'm Alive" and "I Drove All Night," the vocalist is flawless. She tackles each note like a lion to a gazelle and captivates the listener with her siren-like melodies.

 

Unlike some singers of today, Dion does not hold back. She belts out song after song without breaking a sweat, clearly giving her audience more than the cost of tickets, which range from $79.55 to 204.55. It is clear she is consumed by the show.

 

A benefit of the show is when Dion pays homage to Ol' Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. Dion sings "All the Way," intermingling her vocals with a recording of Sinatra, and she also covers "I've Got the World on a String."

 

The only drawback to the show, though, is Dion's lack of interaction with the audience and her use of dancers. "A New Day" was a quintessential Vegas show, for it resembles a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and quickly. While Dion takes a few moments to chat with the audience, the show lacks that intimate interaction one expects in such a venue.

 

And as for the use of dancers - they are distracting. This is not to say the dancers are not talented, for clearly the show's dancers are among the finest in the industry. The problem, however, lies in the fact that Dion is a vocalist who is powerful, consistent and not in need of distractions. Her voice is all that is needed to carry the show, and the dancing distracted from the one thing the audience should be focused on - the vocal prowess of Dion.

 

Nonetheless, Dion's contract is expiring and the curtain will fall on "A New Day" in 2008, drawing to a close a chance to experience a show that has paid homage to the showmanship best associated with Las Vegas.

 

Joe Murray can be reached at jmurray@thebulletin.us

 

 

©The Evening Bulletin 2007

Edited July 3, 2007 at 05:55 PM by Céline's Blues

[newyorksnl15]

couldn't agree more

[Mozinha]

Nice one! I wish all her articles were this good!

[nano]

oh..thanks for posting. :flowers:

[GoldenLeaf]

At last a nice review about our dear Celine! I agree with everything writing above.

[Koolan]

Nice article, can we expect more as the show nears?

[A New Day Has Come]

Thank's for that article it's great and she is the best singer in the world.

[anewdayhascome]

i don't agree that she doesn't interract with the audience

[smw]

I semi-agree with him. But I mostly agree with what he says about how Celine's voice is all the show needs. To be fair, the show wouldn't have been as Vegas without the dancers...but I still consider her touring shows to be better than A New Day. Celine was born to perform by herself - as the centerpiece - all she needs is her voice.

[Shaun]

What a fabulous article! Good find Seb!

 

There is no doubt that Celine has set the bar for all future musicians who wish to set up a show in Vegas. They all said Celine couldn't make it work and she's shown them it can, and them some. Whilst I agree about the show being about Celine and only Celine (nobody goes to admire the dancing let's face it) I think he has a point about Celine's interaction with the audience.

 

I have maintained for 4 years, and I maintain now, that Celine's interaction with the audience should not be scripted like it is. I went to Vegas in 2004 and 2006 and heard her say the same things word for word each time which I feel is disappointing.

 

Nevertheless "A New Day..." has changed the entertainment industry in Vegas and Celine will be remembered as the one who made it happen.

[celinefanonline]

the only thing that i don't really agree is his view on the dancers...

cause it's a show especially created not just a concert, so it's not just about Celine!!

[nature boy]

Great and fair review. But without the dancers and all those visuals it wouldn't be a Vegas show.

[Javier_Natalio]

Nice, we´ve seen a lot of good articles lately, french and english, Rene must be paying through the nose for these, building momento for the new english album release.

[celinerific]

Nonetheless, Dion's contract is expiring and the curtain will fall on "A New Day" in 2008

 

Wait, what? That is very wrong. 2008? Typo, I assume.

[brasilero]

Great and fair review. But without the dancers and all those visuals it wouldn't be a Vegas show.

ya, exackly

 

Nice, we´ve seen a lot of good articles lately, french and english, Rene must be paying through the nose for these, building momento for the new english album release.

 

uhm what lol. are you whack.

Nonetheless, Dion's contract is expiring and the curtain will fall on "A New Day" in 2008

 

Wait, what? That is very wrong. 2008? Typo, I assume.

ya i was the first one too notice that, me and you were.

[cannonball]

I agree about the dancers. They're great, but I don't think they're used very well. How much time do they spend just walking across the stage, or holding on position for half a song?

[Macaronie]

The only drawback to the show, though, is Dion's lack of interaction with the audience and her use of dancers. "A New Day" was a quintessential Vegas show, for it resembles a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and quickly. While Dion takes a few moments to chat with the audience, the show lacks that intimate interaction one expects in such a venue.

I disagree

[smw]

The only drawback to the show, though, is Dion's lack of interaction with the audience and her use of dancers. "A New Day" was a quintessential Vegas show, for it resembles a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and quickly. While Dion takes a few moments to chat with the audience, the show lacks that intimate interaction one expects in such a venue.

I disagree

 

I kind of agree with him on that. She performs this show SO often, that it seems so routine. She says almost the same thing to every audience, every night. "Thursday night's all right", "Friday night's all right", "Saturday night's all right"....you get the picture. And I understand that about the show. She wants as many people as possible to get the same experience. But the beauty of live shows is for the night to night change ---and it's so "well oiled", that there just isn't much night to night change.

[nano]

The only drawback to the show, though, is Dion's lack of interaction with the audience and her use of dancers. "A New Day" was a quintessential Vegas show, for it resembles a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and quickly. While Dion takes a few moments to chat with the audience, the show lacks that intimate interaction one expects in such a venue.

I disagree

 

I kind of agree with him on that. She performs this show SO often, that it seems so routine. She says almost the same thing to every audience, every night. "Thursday night's all right", "Friday night's all right", "Saturday night's all right"....you get the picture. And I understand that about the show. She wants as many people as possible to get the same experience. But the beauty of live shows is for the night to night change ---and it's so "well oiled", that there just isn't much night to night change.

Yeah..I agree and disagree. She could be more interactive, but I think they want to be fair and give the same show to everybody. dunno.

The audience has a big role..I mean if the audience is great, Celine is more relaxed and doesn't follow the script that much. It depends also on her mood, if she's having a bad day I'm sure she doesn't want to tell stories to the audience.

 

Great article...

[Esty]

Great article! It's nice to read good things about her after all the bad ones.

[zanif]

The only drawback to the show, though, is Dion's lack of interaction with the audience and her use of dancers. "A New Day" was a quintessential Vegas show, for it resembles a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and quickly. While Dion takes a few moments to chat with the audience, the show lacks that intimate interaction one expects in such a venue.

I disagree

 

I kind of agree with him on that. She performs this show SO often, that it seems so routine. She says almost the same thing to every audience, every night. "Thursday night's all right", "Friday night's all right", "Saturday night's all right"....you get the picture. And I understand that about the show. She wants as many people as possible to get the same experience. But the beauty of live shows is for the night to night change ---and it's so "well oiled", that there just isn't much night to night change.

Yeah..I agree and disagree. She could be more interactive, but I think they want to be fair and give the same show to everybody. dunno.

The audience has a big role..I mean if the audience is great, Celine is more relaxed and doesn't follow the script that much. It depends also on her mood, if she's having a bad day I'm sure she doesn't want to tell stories to the audience.

 

Great article...

 

Everytime after she finishes singing 'Seduces Me', she'll say how comfy the couch is. I've seen the show only once but I'm so positive that she says that every night. The best interaction is before the show starts, when the camera zoom one audience to another and them making funny faces, kisses and that night when i was there, a small girl was crying and kinda scared of the camera and then everyone went 'Awwwwww'. Guess who got the rose at the end of the show?

Edited July 4, 2007 at 12:21 PM by zanif

[nature boy]

The only drawback to the show, though, is Dion's lack of interaction with the audience and her use of dancers. "A New Day" was a quintessential Vegas show, for it resembles a well-oiled machine, running smoothly and quickly. While Dion takes a few moments to chat with the audience, the show lacks that intimate interaction one expects in such a venue.

I disagree

 

I kind of agree with him on that. She performs this show SO often, that it seems so routine. She says almost the same thing to every audience, every night. "Thursday night's all right", "Friday night's all right", "Saturday night's all right"....you get the picture. And I understand that about the show. She wants as many people as possible to get the same experience. But the beauty of live shows is for the night to night change ---and it's so "well oiled", that there just isn't much night to night change.

 

You mean Celine says "You wanna try that chair?" EVERY night??????

 

 

 

 

 

[anewdayhascome]

after almost 5 years what can she say more?

[ZoraSourit]

Great review!

[changepas39]

Yeah I read that earlier!

[Au coeur de Céline]

Celine is the best all the way!She rocks the world!

[whosarahre]

how well written!

[brasilero]

I agree about the dancers. They're great, but I don't think they're used very well. How much time do they spend just walking across the stage, or holding on position for half a song?

well you know that's the beauty of AND i think. the unique dancing, they didnt want yet another show with a thousand summer-saults and flips.

i like the choreography the way it is. imagine them doing summer-saults while Celine is singing. It will really be "Cirque-du-Celine. It's bad enough already about the critics saying that she doesnt need so many dancers and that her voice is the star and that the show has too many distractions. so just imagine what they would say if they were flipping and summer saulting in front of Celine while she sings

 

 

after almost 5 years what can she say more?

she was saying it even after 1 year Edited July 5, 2007 at 04:32 AM by brasilero

[karatedude317]

Nice to see that she is still getting great reviews!

 

175 million albums though, not 155!