Levi Kreis O Canada Act 2 Puerto Vallarta

 

Pleasingly, he greeted guest artist Chi Chi Rones, one half of The Dueling Drag Divas and he delivered one of her special songs from this show, Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” absolutely spectacularly. Close your eyes and Edith was on stage singing for you. Listeners were amazed and showed their appreciation. Very early Celine Dion was projected from Levi and his piano “Nothing Broken But My Heart”. Levi loves her catalog primed with songs by Canadians. Multi-talented David Foster was cited as an early influence on Levi’s life and career. The man is a composing, producing, arranging, performing giant. Those in the crowd who hail from Canada were especially pleased. 

 

Another surprise special guest was Jason Antone, his partner, who sang in French previewing his own show in this Cabaret February 8. He dueted with Levi on his keyboard, showing tonight is not the first time they have sung together. Levi drifted back into his childhood years of formation.. His mother was a Brenda Lee fan and lip-synched her hits in front of a mirror. Levi launched into Canadian favorite Anne Murray with “You Needed Me” which he produced in his soulful style, adding a healthy dose of Tennessee homegrown rockabilly. He is proud of his own works and presented one of his best “Unafraid”: ‘A love is real if it is brave and I am unafraid’. Levi is relaxed and comfortable in his own skin. He chats about steps in his life, stages he went through and the successes he has earned. Levi said, “I see art as an opportunity to convey something deeper, something spiritual. When you touch an audience at this level, they remember it forever.” 

 

He was awarded the Tony Award for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet. He has recorded seven CDs. A fireball struck the stage and the piano went wild with Jerry Lee playing “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On”  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgmofqjWnyA]. Then the flames swept over the audience which erupted in volcanic love and appreciation. He had performed on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2010 as part of the Million Dollar Quartet singing a medley with ‘Johnny Cash’, ‘Carl Perkins’, ‘Elvis Presley’ and ‘Jerry Lee Lewis’ [himself, pounding those ivories with a fury like The Killer].

 

Shania Twain’s hit “I’m Outta Here!” was given a soulful approach with Levi moving his voice low to high in clear pitch and firmness. He is a Spectacular Entertainer. The brilliant Joni Mitchell was given tribute not only for her soft singing but her tremendous songwriting ability. Sadly, due to a show upcoming soon in the room, he announced his final song and chose Sara McLachlan’s “Angel”. The cordiality and refinement of the tune was matched only  by Levi’s own demeanor and talent. A thunderous standing crowd wanted much more but that was not to be tonight.