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Tribute honors Orbison |
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Larry Branson's portrayal of Roy Orbison hits all the right notes. And that's important--- Orbison was, more than anything, about the notes. As Branson points out in "This Lonely Heart," an impressive theatrical biography that's playing through Sunday, Feb 21 at Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, Orbison didn't move about the stage acrobatically. He also didn't share many words with the audience between songs. But, Orbison is regarded as one of rock'n'roll's greatest singers, using his three-octave vocal range to express love, heartbreak and loneliness with operatic intensity. In the Thursday performance, ranson didn't take too long to show he could sing comfortably in Orbison's outer reaches. He also demonstrated early that this show was a tribute in the best sense of the word--- respectful toward its subject in every way. "This Lonely Heart" written and produced by former Orbison tour manager, Les Vogt, comes off as more documentary than drama. It opens with an evening news-style voice-over reporting Orbison's passing at age 52, on Dec 6, 1988. From there, Branson and his six |
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backing ensemble (including some Chippewa Valley musicians) took the
stage and began a more-or-less chronological trip through the hits. The factual tidbits offered by Branson and the voice-over gave a clear sense of the remarkable success and devastating tragedy that marked Orbison's life. But, more than anything, the production offered winning renditions of Orbison's many great songs. Of course, the hits are there, including "Only The Lonely," "Crying," "Running Scared" and "Oh, Pretty Woman." Branson and company also revived Orbison's later works, among them "Handle With Care" by the Traveling Wilburys ( a super group featuring Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne) and songs from "Mystery Girl," which was released after Orbison was claimed by a heart attack. Bruce Springsteen once said Orbison's music sounded best when you were alone and in the dark. Well, it sounded great in the dark last night, but the large crowd at Fanny Hill didn't lessen the effect at all. Foy can be reached at 833-9214 or (800) 236-7077. |
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