Triumphant is the adjective encapsulating the one-night-only shindig of Martin Nievera, billed Martin Live Again at the Theatre at Solaire.
The Concert King delivered a performance like no other, it screamed “world-class” and Nievera, with his repertoire of pop classics, Broadways spectaculars, and his trademark humor and engaging chitchat with the audiences. The full-packed crowd did not hide the fact that they missed live concert performances and Nievera made certain that what they would experience was a truly enchanted and unforgettable evening.
My top favorite concert segments include the opening number, which was an electric mashup between two iconic Broadway songs, “Corner Of the Sky” from Pippin and “Defying Gravity” from the musical with the same title which was originated by Idina Menzel from Wicked.
The tribute portions that featured the hits of Lionel Ritchie and Stevie Wonder, showcased the perfect pronunciation and enunciation of Nievera as a singer, and wonderful to hear him perform the fast song numbers of the music icons.
Another feel part was Martin’s presentation of his most popular soap opera and Filipino songs such as “Ikaw Ang Pangarap” from “Lobo”, “Ikaw Lamang” from “Nasaan Ka Elisa” and yes oh yes, and the melodramatic anthem “Ikaw” which was an artistic collaboration of the late great National Artist for Music George Canseco and Louie Ocampo.
During the concert, Martin announced that he is also celebrating his 40th anniversary in show business this November with a wish that a concert in The Theatre transpires to commemorate it. This led to him singing his signature hits such as “Be My Lady,” “Pain,” “Please Don’t Throw Your Love Away,” and “On The Right Track”.
The most spectacular number of the night was definitely the Broadway suite that included the anthems from West Side Story” namely “Something’s Coming”, “Maria” and “Somewhere,” the homage to the past, Grizabella’s aria, “Memory” from “Cats”, the hauntingly beautiful “Music of the Night” from Phantom of The Opera and it ended with an exclamation point with “This Is The Moment” the monumental anthem from Jekyll and Hyde.
What Martin Nievera showed to all the audiences who trooped to the Solaire last June 25 is that he is in top form and shape, especially vocally. As always, the truths, subtexts, and stories of all the songs he performed are made known and the spectators loved all of them. Kudos to his musical director Marvin Querido for the repertoire that truly befitted the Concert King for it highlighted his gifts of voice and performance.
His charisma and star power are not only apparent but palpable and undeniable. Nievera knew how to engage in conversation, the manner in which he tickled the funny bones that elicited instantaneous guffaws, and how he enthralled the spectators with his authority and command of the stage, and these givens truly amazed and awed all present.
Another important ingredient that added to the concert’s success, was, of course, its venue of choice, the Theatre at the Solaire. The sound was crisp and crystal. The stage dazzled with state-of-the-art lights and LED projections. The orange chairs were always comfortable and despite it being packed, no pores opened, no sweat glands working overdrive because the air-conditioning system worked!
What added more relevant feels to the shindig was that it was a fundraising concert for The Gift of Life Project by the Rotary Club of Makati West.
Martin Live Again signals the reality that there are people who not only clamor but want live entertainment. And mind you, what they desire is not just the run-of-the-mill entertainment dare, but the worth our while and hard-earned money kind of enjoyment,
That the Concert King presents is a fact. Always electric and spectacular. world-class entertainment is what Martin Nievera gives his adoring public and newfound fans. And what is more, the Theatre at Solaire as his concert home and artistic playground gives it that special la extravaganza.