The Boss Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show
Regent on Broadway
Saturday, June 19
Reviewed by Judith Lacy
The hype was high, the delivery even higher. It's 50 stars for this home-grown tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
The lighting alone was worth the price of admission. I kept marvelling at the creativity and the violet and white lights playing on the Regent's decorative walls were a sight to behold.
Most of the members of the E Street Band are from Manawatū and those that aren't don't hail from too far away. These seven men and one woman range in age from 19 to early 70s and they are no bit pieces there to support lead singer Dean Shaw. Their musicianship, energy, enthusiasm and interaction with each other are first class. It's hard to believe they have day jobs such as building homes and funeral directing.
The standing ovation at the end was well-deserved and the use of the stage over the orchestra pit added another dimension to a show that had me still buzzing 24 hours later. That is the kind of freight train you want running through your head.