Carey brings full range of gifts to Aladdin Theatre

Spencer Patterson

Monday, Dec. 22, 2003 | 9:14 a.m.

The new millennium hasn't been particularly kind to Mariah Carey, but you'd never know it judging from the first few rows Saturday night.

A few dozen diehard members of the beleaguered pop star's international fan club descended on the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts hours early. Many toted Mariah scrapbooks, photos of Carey and giant signs intended to attract the attention of the 33-year-old vocalist.

"All the way from Mexico to see you," read one placard held high by a young man in a Santa Claus costume.

Carey's fanatics, who filled much of the theater's front section, stood for most of the 1-hour, 45-minute concert, ballads included. They screamed when the singer reached her high notes, jiggled to her dance numbers and hugged one another after moments of brief eye contact with the headliner.

Those seated nearby seemed less than thrilled with the display. But Carey reacted warmly, smiling at her devotees and inviting a few to the stage for quick handshakes throughout the show.

Near the end of the night Carey dedicated her 1993 hit "Hero" to the "fans who have supported me through good times and bad."

During the 1990s, Carey reigned as one of popular music's unquestioned superstars. The Long Island, N.Y., native had at least one single reach No. 1 in each year of that decade, a unique historical accomplishment.

The past several years haven't been as rosy for Carey, however. Bizarre public behavior, romantic misfortunes, a reported rehabilitation stint and the disastrous movie/album project "Glitter" soiled her reputation, the last causing Virgin Records to buy out her contract.

Carey acknowledged those dark days with a video montage during "My Saving Grace," a reflective cut from her latest album, "Charmbracelet." Tabloid headlines such as "Mariah's Breakdown" appeared on the screen as she innocently crooned the lyrics, "I've still got a lot to learn."

During such quieter moments, Carey's famous five-octave voice sparkled. Her upper-register squeals brought cheers from the crowd of around 5,000, but her work in her lower ranges was really more impressive, sounding rich and vibrant.

Other times -- such as during an upbeat run through "Joy to the World," one of three Christmas songs performed -- a five-piece band and four backing vocalists overpowered Carey almost entirely.

Two "duets" with nonpresent rappers Busta Rhymes and Ol' Dirty Bastard had an odd live-yet-not feel, with Carey's male counterparts shown singing their recorded parts onscreen.

Carey was actually one of 16 onstage most of the night. Six dancers completed the ensemble, helping turn "Honey," "Fantasy" and other familiar tunes into full-stage production numbers.

Carey's 15 castmates also helped pass the time while the star was off changing costumes, something she did nine times Saturday night.

The outfits alternated from skimpy (pink hotpants and a blue tank top with an "Automatic Princess" decal) to stately (an elegant black cocktail dress). All were intended to accentuate Carey's shapely body, which was made quite visible with a variety of low-cut necklines and belly-baring bikinis.

Revolving clothing aside, Carey's diva side kept a relatively low profile. An onstage attendant did hold her drink as she sipped from a straw early on, but by concert's end she managed to complete the feat all by herself.

Dressed in a two-piece Santa getup, Carey finished with an encore of "All I Want for Christmas is You." Mariah's loyal fans felt the same way, and got what they asked for a few nights early.