Commentary by Amy Pauszek
I am still on cloud nine trying to come down off the high from seeing Paul Anka live on stage at the Palladium. Trust me, Anka knows how to work an audience and he won the hearts of everyone the minute he walked down the aisle shaking hands, dancing and posing for photos. I was hooked the minute he opened the show with a medley of sensational hits. He later sang “Times of Your Life,” which included celebrity and family video clips on a big screen projector.
I was thrilled to take my parents for their 60th wedding anniversary to the concert and loved watching life-long fans across the room laughing and crying. He captured their hearts as he sang their favorite songs of the past and shared memories from “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “American Bandstand.” Other favorites included a special “Purple Rain” mix in honor of Prince, a tribute to rat-pack member Sammy Davis Jr. and the theme song from the 1962 film “The Longest Day,” after which Anka gave a special thanks to our military. Anka was witty, charming and told funny jokes along the way that had the audience in stitches. His voice was powerful and strong. I truly loved every minute of the concert and as I left, I noticed smiles on every face. President/CEO of The Center for the Performing Arts Tania Castroverde Moskalenko has done it again by bringing legend Paul Anka to the Palladium. With talent like this in the house, I’d say we’re all in for a treat for what’s in store for the new season. For more, visit TheCenterPresents.org