- October 27, 2000 - San Jose Arena - San Jose, CA
- Sarah Brightman, the true queen of vocal finesse, was in town to perform her theatrically designed show. The show was barely advertised as tickets went quickly before most people even knew she was on tour. The San Jose arena was filled with people from all walks of life - from the well-dressed and manicured nouveau riche to the silver spandexed, faux jeweled self-indulgent to the scattering of subtle goths, dressed in lighter colors, all amidst the regular folks. All were fans though, through and through. Aside from the other established divas, Ms. Brightman's fanbase tends to be a bit more obsessive with her. Since our last review, we have been inundated with emails regarding Sarah. All of them expressing their ardent love and passion for the former Mrs. Webber who has now fully ensconced herself in the public eye since going it alone.
The arena was filled with about 6,000 appreciative fans, a bit less than half of what could actually be held in the venue. This, along with the carpeted floor, was in order to make for better acoustics. Indeed, as we soon found out, the sound was exceptional. Compared to Sarah's "Eden" tour last year, with was a bit overpowered by the musical ensemble, the balance between voice and music fared better this time around.
 The lights dimmed and a quieting came over the crowd as a sheer blue curtain parted to reveal a lone Sarah standing atop some steps as she launched into her opening number, "La Luna", with stars and a rotating galaxy behind her. Under the soft blue lights with a spotlight on her, Sarah gingerly walked out to the front of the stage. Dressed in a black leatherette bodice and a black skirt, torn on one side, that exposed her left leg. For someone who comes from the classics, Sarah knows how to mix subtle sexuality with elegance.
For her second number, Sarah performed the ever-popular "Scarborough Fair" as a large sheet was unfolded across the stage for a billowing effect that lasted into the third number, a cover of Queen's "Who Wants To Live Forever".
The concert included a few costume changes along with the ever intriguing staging changes. The stage and lighting were simplistic yet elegant. Before the second to the last song of the first set, "Pie Jesu", it was interesting to note Sarah's introduction of the song as being "dedicated to children who have passed away due to political conflicts". This was most evident of being a subtle hint regarding the turmoil in the Middle East. "Nessum Dorma" marked the end of the first set, with Sarah atop unseen stars, surrounded by a blood red drape that reached to the ends of the stage. A crown of stars surrounded her head as a halo. At the end of the number, Sarah held a note for an impressive time. Unfortunately, not all of the audience was quite savvy to crowd participation (or lack thereof) during a concert such as hers as some loud catcalls and claps were to be heard, cutting her off from the finale.
After twenty minutes, the show resumed as Sarah returned with "Siren", melding into "Deliver Me", as she came out flying in the air (of course, on a rig). She had done this earlier in the set as well, with two dancers flanking her on the sides - angelic to say the least. Her grace of gymnastic movement was something to behold as she did spins and turns while floating in mid-space, high above the stage. Following was "He Doesn't See Me" before a barrage of fireworks, in the form of giant white sparklers, lit up the stage for Sarah's wonderful version of Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale". The next number was "There For Me", sung in a duet with Josh Groban. For the next change, candelabras appeared for "Twisted Every Way" and "Phantom Of The Opera", as Sarah appeared in black hot pants and went right into "Wishing You Were Somewhere Here Again". The set was finished with the classic "Music Of The Night" featuring some absolutely stunning vocals by Sarah. This song showed her most exquisite side. She was not allowed to leave so soon - although it appeared as though the set was being cut short by a few numbers - as the audience readily showed their appreciation for her. Sarah came back to do "Question Of Honour" - which opened with a beat straight out of Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell" (from the album "The Wall"). During this number, she flew up again into the air for yet another round of impressive acrobatics - all the while singing. The song ended as huge bursts of confetti blew out into the crowd while bright lights flared. A regular rock 'n' roll extravaganza.
 But it wasn't finished yet. For her final two encores, Sarah came out under view of a quarter moon to sing "Moon River" and her absolute crowd-pleaser, "Time To Say Goodbye". The final number, as always, was truly something to remember the evening by.
Between all that, even the sounds of some rather boorish and uncouth crowd - some munching popcorn and chips loudly throughout - who have some social skills to learn, could not drown out the grace and style of Sarah's voice and her sheer presence. This was a show that would stay in the memory for quite some time. It is always a treat to see Ms. Brightman perform as she makes every show special.
Youthfully beautiful and creative, with talent beyond compare, Sarah could very well be one of the most perfect singers of our time. What Kate Bush brought us in the early 80s, Sarah has taken to a whole new level. Her choices of music - from opera to pop - and exquisite theatrical performances make her the true new alternative queen of classics.
At the conclusion of the show, as we were all lining up to exit, I mused aloud, "She was OK. Britney's better though.", which was worth the inside chuckle as several stern glares focused my way. In truth, it would be hard-pressed to find someone who sings with as much style, focus and brilliance as Ms. Brightman does. Sarah is the jewel in the crown of music.
Written by and photos © 2000 Philip Anderson
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