Alice Cooper Creeps Out Fans At Stifel Theatre Saturday, Just The Way They Like It
–By Keith Brake
This year has been an amazing year for Saint Louis concert lovers and this past Saturday (October 20) was one of this years crown jewels. The Stifel Theatre hosted KSHE’s “A Paranormal Evening with Alice Cooper” and I cannot imagine how the show could have been any better, definite five star event…maybe six.
Few performers have the ability to intertwine a rock and roll performance with an epic theatrical performance the way Alice does. Consider, if you will, this epic list of visual extravaganza; a fourteen foot Frankenstein, a guillotine complete with a decapitation, a life size wind up doll, a psychotic nurse, blood, interpretive dance and let us not forget the BAND! Mr. Cooper has amassed one of the most talented bands to back his show that one could hope for, showcasing the one and only “Hurricane” Nita Strauss.
After a nice introduction from John Ulet (KSHE 94.7 FM) the evening was all set to proceed. The audience was littered with fans of all ages, some adorning costumes related to pertinent characters from the show and all ready for the majesty that is Alice Cooper’s live performance. The house lights dropped and the stage was illuminated with fireworks spraying down from the rafters as Alice appeared from the fog filled shadows. Dressed in black and cane in hand, Alice took control of the Stifel crowd like a three ring master and never let them go.
Alice is not the only charismatic performer on the stage, in fact, every member of this talented group is mesmerizing, with the ring leader being Nita. If you are unfamiliar with Nita, check out the photo gallery she is the fashion model that just happens to be one of the most talented guitarist going. The group works in symphony with Alice’s antics making for one of the most visually pleasing experiences I have ever witnessed and the hit laden set works perfectly with the conceptual aspect of the show, truly brilliant and masterful.
The crowd, which had risen to their feet the moment they saw Alice, stayed that way for the entire performance as they sang along and became immersed in the overall experience. Alice is appreciative of his band and he gives them all more than ample time in the spotlight to showcase their individual talents as they each had a “solo”. I have been to shows where this moment seems too much or overbearing, but not this time, it was perfect and tastefully done; just enough awesome to get the point across.
As one could probably figure, the big Saint Louis crowd was not going to leave without an encore, which Alice and his band of performers more than gladly produced. For the encore selection of the evening Alice hit the stage in an all white overcoat showcasing “Cooper” on the back with the NHL’s Saint Louis Blues blue note which brought loud, appreciative applause from the crowd. The evening came to a close with bubbles and confetti filling the air and a fully involved sing along as Mr. Cooper interlaced “Another Brick In The Wall” into “Schools Out”.
Alice is for certain an icon and a consummate performer and every detail of this amazing show was perfectly in place, truly incredible. If you ever want to be part of a top tier, emursive performance that is as visually stunning as it is musically, go see Alice Cooper as he delivers in spades. KSHE knocked this one out of the park with this show and I, for one, hope we are lucky enough to have Alice back next year to grace one of Saint Louis’ amazing stages. Happy early Halloween all!
