Orchestra’s show appeals to ears, not heart

Spencer Patterson

Monday, Dec. 20, 2004 | 8:24 a.m.

It's safe to say Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby never imagined lasers and electric guitars when they recorded their Christmas classics during the 1940s.

Six decades later, however, those elements have joined chestnuts roasting on an open fire and sleigh bells in the snow as American holiday traditions, thanks to a musical group known as Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

TSO's wintertime tours -- which blend heavy metal theatrics and classical arrangements -- have developed a devoted following over the past six years, routinely packing some of the nation's largest sports arenas to capacity.

On Saturday night the New York City-based company demonstrated its drawing power in Las Vegas, filling the lower level of the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts with about 5,000 fans.

About half that number were back for a return engagement, judging from the cheers when guitarist Al Pitrelli surveyed the crowd to see how many had experienced TSO's live show before.

It isn't difficult to figure out why thousands of Americans make it a point to see the Trans-Siberian crew each and every year.

The group -- which includes violins and cellos, keyboards and guitars and a stable of rotating vocalists -- provides a unique experience, and quite a memorable one at that.

A robust laser-lights array and a smattering of pyrotechnics practically guarantee that concertgoers head home impressed with the dizzying visual display.

As for TSO's musical success, that largely depends on what each individual expects from holiday fare.

Those hoping to hear a few old favorites performed in a new and different way probably felt satisfied.

The orchestra mixed in bits of classic material, including "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," with its original compositions throughout the 2 1/2-hour event.

Individual musicians -- particularly ex-Megadeth member Pitrelli and fellow guitarist Angus Clark, violinist Anna Phoebe and vocalists Guy LeMonnier and Michael Lanning -- showed off their skills on tough-to-replicate numbers by Beethoven, Mozart and the like.

Those expecting to be moved emotionally by the Christmas concert, however, likely left a bit disappointed.

Throughout the night it seemed as if holiday spirit were present in name only, force-fed to the audience by a monotone narrator who attempted to weave a storyline through TSO's songs, in the style of "Mamma Mia!" or "We Will Rock You."

Rather than warm the heart, those spoken-word segments sapped momentum between sonic stretches.

Good music speaks for itself, and rarely requires a discernible plot to make an impression.

On the plus side, TSO wisely avoided an abundance of overtly religious themes, focusing instead on snowfall, ornaments and the union of family members during the holidays.

Such an environment made it possible even for those of other faiths to enjoy the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, yet another reason why a potential novelty act has instead emerged as an annual holiday mainstay.