Country superstar Reba McEntire pulled into the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre for the first of two sold out shows this past Thursday night. Shouts of “Reba, we love you” could be heard from individual fans throughout the evening, as they couldn’t contain their excitement at seeing their idol playing a rare live show. Reba was out on a short tour that includes only 8 shows up to August of this year.
Her set consisted of a broad cross section of selections from her 35+ year music and television career. She went nearly back to the beginning with show opener “Can’t Even Get The Blues” from 1981’s “Unlimited.” Jumping back and forth through the decades she continued with 1996’s “The Fear of Being Alone” and 1987’s “One Promise Too Late”
Reba is a great storyteller and she takes the time between songs to engage the audience throughout her shows. She spoke of her meeting with famed songwriter Harland Howard back in the early 80’s where she was with him to hear possible song selections for her to record. And after playing 2 songs that he knew she should pass on, and did, he played a third that was “the saddest country song” and had made “the hair stand up” on her arms. She knew that was the one she needed. It was the emotional tune “Somebody Should Leave” which she played next.
The years have been kind to Reba’s vocal range. She has the signature raspy flavor and growl when she needs it, that she has always had. And she played it to perfection.
She spoke of her relationship with Vicki Lawrence and her husband Bobby Russell who wrote “The Lights Went Out in Georgia.” And how she just had to cover it nearly 10 years later. Reba included 3 songs from 2009’s “Consider Me Gone,” including the title track, “Strange,” and “I’ll Have What She’s Having.” Before the latter, Reba took the time to introduce her stellar 9 piece band. During the song each member had a short solo, which they played wonderfully.
Reba discussed her meeting Kelly Clarkson on American Idol. And she played “Because Of You,” which was originally played as a duet with soon to be daughter in law Clarkson. As a certified television star, Reba also included the theme songs from both of her shows, “I’m A Survivor” from “Reba” and “Goodbye Looks Good On Me” from her newest show “Malibu Country”.
Reba, along with violist and vocalist Jennifer Wrinkle performed a great rendition of 1993’s “Does He Love You,” which was originally a duet with Linda Davis. And a medley featuring 1992’s “Take It Back” and 1994’s “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” was definitely a highlight of the evening. The gospel vocal parts and the smoking piano solo were played to perfection with a blues/country flare. 2010’s “Turn On The Radio” ended the main set for the show.
The band returned after a short break and soon after, Reba appeared in her fabulous red sequin dress and ended the show with 1990’s “Fancy.” Whenever you get to see a live show performed by someone of Reba’s stature in the entertainment industry, it’s usually an occasion to remember. And with Reba’s show, this is certainly the case.
The show was opened with Nashville’s 15-year-old country sensation, Caroline Kole. She played a short but spirited set and the crowd received her with roaring approval. It’s not hard to see a Taylor Swift level career in her future.
Set List:
Can’t Even Get The Blues
The Fear of Being Alone
One Promise Too Late
Whoever’s In New England
Why Not Tonight
Somebody Should Leave
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Is There Life Out There
And Still
I’ll Have What She’s Having
Does He Love You
Strange
Goodbye Looks Good On Me
Because of You
Consider Me Gone
I’m A Survivor
Take It Back / Why Haven’t I Heard From You
Turn On The Radio
Encore:
Fancy
We would like to thank Jenna Hunter from the Orillia Casino for the credentials to cover the show.
