Carr gives stellar opening night performance

It was one of those very special nights when Vikki Carr, in top form, her superior musical octet under the direction of Luigi Lazareno, the production wizardry of Arthur Silbur, and the ultra-responsive audience came together in that unique one-ness that can only be achieved when everything onstage is live. It was opening night, an evening to remember, in the Orleans Hotel showroom.

First show gremlins resulted in Carr re-starting the overture which she did with sweetness and good taste, putting the entire assemblage on her side immediately. "Superman" was an uptempo opener, followed by a softly sung "You Will Be My Music" and a romping "Make Someone Happy." Three songs sung in Spanish from a newly-released CD with the venerable Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan followed with Vikki explaining the essence of each in English.

"With Pen In Hand" was accorded instant recognition and applause, after which she changed the pace with an "I Can't Stop Loving You" that Ray Charles would have appreciated. The next four selections were again in Spanish with English title translations, closing with "Somos Novios," a hit for Carr, and for Perry Como in English as "It's Impossible." "The Glory of Love" and a brilliant, well-selected Sinatra tribute medley resulted in the first of several standing ovations.

Vikki closed with her signature song, "It Must Be Him," a second standing ovation, then a swinging "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" and they were standing once again. It was a very warm, meaningful 90 minutes.

Warning: She closes on Sunday. The occasion this time is a celebration of Sept. 16, Mexican Independence Day. The lady should not keep us waiting until September, 1999 for her next visit. The Orleans showroom is "her room" any time of the year.

JOE DELANEY is a Sun entertainment critic.

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