Just got back from Universal Studios Florida where DONNA performed flawlessly tonight. A huge crowd in the mood to party, backed her up and supported her thru the entire show, with lots of "We luv you DONNA!" shouts and many more accolades. She looked great, but still a bit puffy...yet, her first appearance as she ascended onto the stage thru the lovely grand piano...she looked like an angel in sparkly white gown, then launched into SWH4T$. Usual concert we have seen in the past year or so. The orchestra sounded great and Donna, as usual was in great vocal form. The highlight of the show for me was her reunion with Joe Esposito, who was doing backup vocal honors tonight as replacement for Mary Bernard. They both sang "Heaven Knows" and it was like going back to 1978 and playing the song off the record... *divine*. Early during the concert, she told the audience she had hurt her back and almost cancelled tonight... but after taking some medication, she was game...jada jada. At first she appeared a bit stiff and looked like limping a little off the stage the first time she walked off to do her 1st dress change. As the night progressed, she appeared to loosen up and be more animated, cracking jokes about hot flashes, menopause, men with Ferraris..etc etc etc. We have heard those jokes before. She did the "as of late" covers of "Natural Woman", "Smile" & "Knights in White Satin". No "Pearls" this time. Sadly, no mention of any kind about her upcoming album on Burgundy Records, nor was there a sneak preview of any new songs as I had hoped to be the case.
However... Donna had the crowd wrapped with her spell when performing all her great hits, and the audience responded with huge praise and enthusiastic cheers, and she seemed genuinely pleased. I know I was...to say the least *elated*. This is my 5th Donna concert and was a FABULOUS as ever.
Here are some photos from the concert!!!
Enjoy!!
- Julio C, Orlando FL
[Editor's note: Yeah, I took the easy way out and just linked to Julio's photo album for now. I will probably steal some of those photos to host on the site when I get a little more time. :-) Also - if you were an On The Radio diva, then Julio has your picture onstage with Donna - page 1, third row down.] |