The visual companion to She — a lavish two-CD set written by veteran British progressive rocker Clive Nolan and based on H. Rider Haggard's 1887 Victorian-adventure novel of the same name — expands on Caamora's rock opera and leaves viewers with a better understanding of both the story and why good proggers aren't necessarily good actors.
Nolan and Pallas frontman Alan Reed are the main male characters in this majestic, large-scale story of a white African queen who made herself immortal by bathing in a pillar of fire. Performed on Halloween night 2007 at the Wyspianski Theater in Katowice, Poland, with minimal props, elaborate video and lighting, and a magnificent band flanking both sides of a center-stage red carpet, She also features newcomer Agnieszka Swita in the title role (a Nolan discovery) and Magenta's Christina Booth. While Nolan and Reed often seem uncomfortable and lost on stage when simply standing or walking around without singing, the two female leads appear to be right at home. Swita's personality and voice are built for the stage, and Booth is a natural who deserved more face time. In fact, after the first few scenes, I found myself hoping Booth would never leave the stage. Her presence elevated the male performances and lent credibility to She in areas where it was lacking.
If you've heard the CD version, you know that She embraces themes of life, death, reincarnation, sexuality and fate via progressive-metal, symphonic-rock, classical-music and even borderline-pop motifs. Dynamic vocal interplay and a tight band of musicians that sound as if they've been playing together for years (including Richard West and Steve Williams on keys, Scott Higham and drums and John Jowitt on bass) help detract from some of She's pretentiousness and preachiness. And despite some of the questionable acting, the performance is distinct enough from what else is going on in today's prog universe to make She a worthwhile diversion. Nolan proves himself once and for all as a credible (if not overly powerful) vocalist and an even better writer.
Track Listing:
Act 1
1) Overture
Scene 1
2)The Storm
3) The Veil
4) Covenant Of Faith
5) Rescue
Scene 2
6) The Lost City
7) The Bonding
8) Ambush
Scene 3
9) Judgment
10) History
Scene 4
11) Confrontation
12) Vigil
Scene 5
13) Shadows
Act 2
Scene 1
14) Fire Dance
Scene 2
15) Cursed
16) Closer
17) Disbelief
18) Murder
19) The Eleventh Hour
Scene 3
20) Resting Place
21) The Hermit
22) The Sands of Time
Scene 4
23) Embrace The Fire
24) The Night Before
Scene 5
25) The Fire Of Life
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