Stage: A New Day

Celine 2.0

By Barbara Scherzer

In this, my first viewing of Celine Dion's A New Day since its 2003 opening night, I found a much better match between the LED images that comprise the set backdrop and the corresponding songs. Many of the surreal visuals from 18 months ago have been eliminated or trimmed, yielding a show that is more coherent and emotionally compelling.

The love song "If I Could" is romance personified: A prop tree bursts into bloom while angels descend from the ceiling to swing above the stage. The tune "I'm Alive," set on a New York City streetscape, remains a fun, high-energy affair, as is "I Drove All Night," which features a backdrop of cars that continually buzz by. Dion's rendition of the Titanic theme song, "My Heart Will Go On," is now a showstopper with a spinning moon and a galaxy of stars that are the focal point for her high-powered voice.

Although Dion no longer takes flight nightly, her image does. New to the show, an oversized likeness of the singer is sometimes projected during her solo numbers providing those seated in the back of the house more personal contact. Her closer, "What a Wonderful World," continues that feeling of closeness as a new montage of stills representing a world audience is projected.

Dion has returned to her previous feminine look with long, flowing brown hair and sports several glamorous gowns throughout the show. Her voice is crystal clear and she seems to enjoy the dancing part of her performance that has her interacting well with her large cast.

But when she sits onstage and talks personally with the audience, I would prefer to learn more about some of the songs and why they resonate for her. It is annoying when Dion directs everyone to get up on their feet for "Love Can Move Mountains," rather than allowing this magic happen on its own, as it did on opening night.

A New Day is directed by Franco Dragone, former director of creation for Cirque du Soleil, who specializes in infusing his productions with a surrealistic feel. If you arrive at the theater early, you will see some inventive pre-show entertainment. Technical credits and musicianship are all superb. Choreographer Mia Michaels has her dancers readily traversing the vast 120-foot stage. Credit costume designer Dominique Lemieux with the cast's new look. A New Day has evolved and, in the process, finally found its heartbeat.