I have poured myself into the attached movie-style connected to others' seat. I am not that big. I don't remember feeling this uncomfortable two years ago, BUT I do remember thinking this was one of the worst ideas the Chiefs had. Yes, Chiefs ... I know that it fits more chairs into a limited space and that the tables that were there before allowed too much conversation during shows, BUT (again Shelley, with the BUT?) I am squished into a non-forgiving space that puts me in very close proximity to the people around me.
The
man sitting next to me asked the hostess to be placed next to me. He
reminds me of Chad Stewart and says "HI" when he sits down. Reminding me
of Chad is not a bad thing. Move on ... why am I here?
I
tried to return to Mohegan Sun earlier this spring to see Gary Puckett,
but school and casino upticks changed my thinking. However, I make it
here for the return of Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone. HHSPN used
to be a staple item here at The Sun, before Covid. (THERE! I said the
word. The restrictions upon using the word "Covid" in print did not make
it go away. Did it?)
Mohegan Sun was, as Peter Noone states, their
"Homeroom." We can all relate to that place where you return to unwind,
put yourself back together, realize what you left at home, and get ready
to go out into the hallways of success.
I
don't feel I will witness anything new being here. I will accept a
repeat of my past. It's going to start with 'Vindaloo,' and progress
into 'Something Good.' Appropriate, of course. I have been standing in a
line that Mohegan says doesn't exist until three hours before show-time,
for the last five hours! You can put it in writing, on your website, but
without enforcement, it means nothing. The couple behind me had the same
plans I had: shopping, eating and THEN getting in line. However, as we
passed the Wolf Den, a line was very evident. Oh well!
OH, VINDALOO BEGINS!
Wait
a minute! As we move from Vindaloo to Peter's entrance, into 'Something
Good,' an unexpected feeling emerges as though I am experiencing a reopening of the world. Can't be! I know this show, right? You know this
show, right? This will be same-o, same-o.
YOU ARE SO WRONG!
I AM SO WRONG! (That can't be possible.)
There
is a continuous non-stop streak of songs. The Banned, Vance Brescia,
Dave Ferrara, Rich Spina and Billy Sullivan, play Follow the Leader with
precision. When unplanned fan-fueled breaks occur (as always happens),
causing an immediate stop, not a note over or out-of-place occurs. The
team is amazing. They are tight. They are tighter than they were before
the pandemic. I watch the back-up vocals. They each are confident in
their parts. Peter's voice is strong and sure. I watch people dancing in
the aisles. Difficult really, with the limited space. Enthusiasm is
high. Energy on stage and off is at peek maintenance. One hour and twenty
minutes of 60s songs, with antics, jokes, drum, guitar and keyboard
solos. Sorry everyone, but this was better than the originals.
Vindaloo
Something Good
Wonderful World
Love Potion #9
Dandy
She's a Must to Avoid
Daydream Believer
Ring of Fire
All My Loving
Sea Cruise (Rich on keyboard solos)
Just a Little Bit Better (Vance still playing guitar and kicking it up)
Silhouettes
Listen People (thumbs up and applause from the Banned to Peter)
Glad All Over
Jezebel (THE BEST guitar intro I have heard for this one from Billy Sullivan)
Ferry Across the River Thames (Well, that's where we are)
Doo Wah Diddy Diddy
Leaning on a Lamppost
No Milk Today
End of the World (the "downer song" from Herman's Hermits, but one of my favorites. Expressive message)
Where Were You When I Needed You (It is rare that I hear this song from HHSPN. The Grass Roots often
perform it, but Herman's Hermits recorded it first for the movie, Where
the Boys Meet the Girls) (PS: What a treat!)
Bus Stop
For Your Love (Dave full-out on drums and solos! Even more than usual. You know power is coming when his jacket comes off!)
Jumpin' Jack Flash
Can't You Hear My Heartbeat
Mrs. Brown (and her daughter)
Henry VIII
There's a Kind a Hush
LOOK AT THIS LIST! But it would be meaningless if it had not been FANTASTIC!
Brilliant everyone!
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano / Northeast what-cha-ma-callit
Thanks, Shelley!
We haven't seen Peter's show in a while now ... be cool to see the revamped line-up songs. (I thought he had something coming up in the area but I don't see anything listed ... I probably just missed it!) Next time then! (kk)
