Thursday, July 07, 2005

Nepotism


How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
Practice!
How do you get to the Hollywood Bowl?
Marry Someone Successful!

My company scored me some tickets to the premiere of the "Video Games Live" tour at the Hollywood Bowl last night. The show features music performed by symphonic orchestra from classic games like Super Mario Brothers and Legend of Zelda, as well as music from newer hits like Everquest and God of War. Although I expected it to be a bit more polished that it was (the symphony lost sync with the percussion and/or the multimedia accompaniment numerous times), it was generally an enjoyable show. However, I must take this opportunity to show my geek card and rant.
I was thoroughly enjoying the grand finale, a practically perfect rendition of the Halo theme, until it was ruined by a miserable attempt at the eastern chanting solo. The singer? Show Producer Tommy Tallarico's wife. Evaluation: Lame. Surely the budget of this show could have afforded a real singer. Mrs. Tallarico was featured multiple times through the evening, but this last attempt was clearly the most offensive. Halo was fragged so badly at this point, that not even guitar great Steve Vai could save it, apparently missing the cue for his solo, and contributing nearly 4 measly notes to the song. Tommy's young daughter also made an appearance earlier in the evening, overcoming her obvious stage fright and lack of experience. (I believe her number was the "Myst" medley.)
Oh, well. Highlights from the evening included: Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog, Medal of Honor (accompanied by WWII archive footage), and Advent Rising (composed by Tallarico himself). Also in attendance, beside Your's Truly, were actor Elijah Wood, comic book legend Stan Lee, screenwriter Zach Baliva, and Gary Coleman, former child star, who complained loudly at the pre-party about MTV's lack of desire to interview him.

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