Michael Ball in Salt Lake City

Did any of you go to either of the two concerts? If so, did he live up to expectations?

I just got back from Salt Lake City. Fantastic four days and two great concerts. He had them eating out of his hand both nights, but Saturday was truly amazing. I actually lost count but I think there were about eight standing ovations throughout the performance. There were some empty seats Friday night, but Saturday night was very nearly full. I know that some people had never heard of Michael Ball, but had won tickets in radio station give-a-ways. They must have been impressed because virutally everyone was on their feet during the ovations. I overheard several people at the interval who came just because they won tickets and they were raving about the show. Some of the employees at Abravanel Hall told us that they had never heard they type of ovation they heard coming out of the Hall on Saturday night. Michael did a mixture of Musical Theatre numbers, pop songs, some "new country" and threw in a "Blues Brothers" medley near the end that had everyone dancing in their seats. The audience also seemed to love the easy going rapport he had with them...lots of talking and joking between numbers. He was joined by the Salt Lake City Choir for a couple of numbers as well. There were three encores on Friday night and four on Saturday night. On a disappointing note, the combination of altitude, the desert air and the exhausting performances took it's toll on Michael's voice and he was unable to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Sunday morning. He could barely speak but came out of the Tabernacle to tell the crowd waiting himself that he would not be able to perform. Truly devasting for him I'm sure and disappointing for the Choir as well. I was at the rehearsal on Thursday night. Though they usually do not open the rehearsal to the public until 8pm, they opened the doors at 6:30 so that people could hear the whole rehearsal. The director told the audience that people had come from all over the country and all over the world to hear Michael sing with them, and that after rehearsing with him they all understood why. I've never heard a more beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace". It's a shame that they did not get to perform it together for the Broadcast. The director did indicate that they would love to have him back so hopefully this concert will eventually happen. All in all, I would say that Michael's US Debut went very well!

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Thanx Lori
I am glad he was so well received. From your report and others it seems to have been a fantastic two concerts. Now if we can just get the man and his voice east of the Mississippi for a couple of concerts.

Here's a link to a review of the concerts (with thanks to Linda!)

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view2/1,4382,595063689,00.html?textfield=Michael+Ball

BTW>http://deseretnews.com/dn/view2/1,4382,595063689,00.html?textfield=Michael+Ball>http://deseretnews.com/dn/view2/1,4382,595063689,00.html?textfield=Michael+Ball

BTW, I wrote my "review" on here before I read this one...looks like the reviewer and I shared a lot of the same impressions!

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Updated On: 5/17/04 at 10:18 AM

I'll add my raves to those of Lori, even if you did steal my thunder and post first!

Check the fan photo section for a couple of photos I snapped durning the concert on Friday. I was so busy fiddling with the camera on Friday that I didn't enjoy the concert as much as I could have. When I saw the wonderful shots I got on Friday, I didn't spend the time on taking pictures on Saturday and just sat back and enjoyed the concert.

Well, worth the time, money and effort to go. I do hope the rumors are true and he will be back on the East coast sometime soon. I WILL try to be there.

I met a LOT of very nice people. You can imagine my suprise I started chatting the the lady I was seated next to and as we spoke we talked about the boards. It turned out she was none other than our own Faith2! Small world, huh?

I guess the hightlight of the trip was getting to meet Mr. Ball at the signing. I didn't think I was going to make because I was number 168 in line but I made it! I was sooo shook, I didn't even tell him my name and I think I said something dumb like, "I really enjoyed the concert last night!" He said he enjoyed it too and my moment was over. Duh. Everything I planned to say went right out of my head.

I didn't know about the rehearsal on Thursday night or I would have been there. I didn't know about the lunch either but that's ok.

I had a wonderful time.

Thanks for sharing your memories, Lori and D :)

Going to a Michael Ball concert is quite an exhilarating experience - great music, lively stage presence, and warm audience rapport!

Jo

Updated On: 5/17/04 at 07:27 PM

Albin

He is gay and he is NOT out (officially)

He is not married. Cathy is his 'girlfriend'.

D -- so glad you had a wonderful time!! Lovely photos! Just When is such a beautiful song, isn't it? It moved me the first time I heard it and continues to do so.

I'm looking forward to both July and August when I will get to see him in concert in Wales and Edinburgh, respectively.

Just as an aside - Michael loves Broadway too. His new series "Ball on Broadway" starts on BBC Radio 2 this coming Friday, the first of six new shows where Michael interviews stars, producers etc. of current Broadway shows.

D. - I was in Row 4, seat 19 on Friday night and Row 2, seat 12 on Saturday. Both great seats. I know, we all should have ID'd ourselves! I know Faith2 as well...she was responsible for my very first trip to London to see Michael last year (for which I'll be forever grateful!)

KEC - We saw Michael Thursday outside one of the TV studios and he told us what shows he had seen...he said his favorite was "Menopause The Musical" (he was joking I think! - about it being his favorite, not about seeing it!)

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Hi DofB5...and hi everybody....

quote: "I had said to several people that it was a shame that I might know many of the people there but had no idea as to what they looked like...

I did get to meet Faith2 who is a very nice lady."

Awwwwww thanks, DofB5....I think you're a very nice lady too....I was sooooo happy to meet you. After reading your posts on this board when I first joined, I had always wanted to meet you, so you can imagine my great surprise and great joy when I found out it was you who was sitting 'right next to me' at the Friday night concert...you were in seat 2, and I was in seat 1...how great was that????!!!!

I do wish I knew more of the lovely people on this board....I do know quite a few here who are also on the Michael Ball Fan Club board, however.

Just as an introduction, above is a photo I have posted of Michael and I which was taken in London in December, 2001. DofB5 took a photo of us together at the concert, which I think she will be posting here. My first name is Joyce, Faith is one of my middle names, as I say in my profile.

I first saw Michael Ball live and in concert on both October 23rd and 24th, 2000 at the 2 concerts he performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I have seen Michael many, many times since those first two concerts...but I have never seen anything to beat the 2 concerts from last weekend in Salt Lake City!

Those concerts were FANTASTIC!!!

Again, DofB5, it was such a pleasure meeting you...please let's keep in touch.

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I was in the second row both nights and couldn't have been more intoxicated by this sweet, talented guy who oozes sex appeal. If you remember seeing a woman with long red hair..that was me. Most in the Forum, and those I met know me as Rusty. I wish I could have met more of you ::waves at Faith:: glad that we met albet so briefly.

My turn to say, Awwwww, geee, Faith2! It was so very nice to meet you!

My mind is still spinning from last weekend and now I have to get ready for Le Miz today and NYC tomorrow! Oy!

We'll have to have a nice long thread on the trip when I get back. I know some people will LOVE that--

Gotta run and finish packing!
D