True Colors is a National Tour with a constantly changing cast depending on the concert venue with Cyndi Lauper headlining each show. The Concert is four hours long and mixes comedy, music and social commentary promoting Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. No two concerts are the same because the performers and show dynamics are always different. It’s almost like watching musical Improv, every time you see the show, it’s different. It’s like you’re seeing it for the first time, which makes each True Colors Concert one-of-a-kind and truly unique.



Cyndi Lauper has long been a supporter of the GLBT community, and particularly of HRC (Human Rights Campaign). Her motivation for this tour stemmed from her desire to give back to the community for the love and support they have given her throughout her career while bringing gay and straight audiences together to vote for equality this election year. This is the second year in a row Cyndi has partnered with HRC, which will receive one dollar from every ticket sold from the True Colors Fund. It's not only a great concert, but supports a noble cause as well.


Tonight’s show was hosted by fashion designer, author and television personality Carson Kreesly (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy). Carson is also the Host of the Lifetime series “How To Look Good Naked”. Joining Carson is funny woman and improviser Wanda Sykes who is best known as Larry David’s friend on the hit series “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. Wanda’s sharp tongue and quick wit have made her a hit on the stand-up comedy circuit and can currently be seen as “Barb” on Julia Louise-Dreyfus’ hit sit-com “The New Adventures of Old Christine”.



Rounding out the show were special guests, The Puppini Sisters. This amazing trio was formed in 2004 by Marcella Puppini and include Stephanie O’ Brien and Kate Mullins. Reminiscent of another famous trio “The Andrews Sisters”, The Puppini Sisters actually cover one their hits, “The Bugle Boy of Company C”. Complete with stylish period cocktail dresses, their mixture of jazz and contemporary musical fusion, The Puppini Sisters were a great edition to the show.



The show then heated up with an outstanding performance by The B-52’s. Their blend of solid New Wave Rock had everyone on their feet and dancing in the aisles. With classic hits like “Love Shack” (a karaoke favorite), “Rock Lobster”, “Private Idaho” and “Planet Claire”, you can’t help but get on your feet and dance to the new wave beat. Looking eternally young and energetic, The B-52’s rocked the house and the audience into a fever pitch with their combination of dance and surf music which was the perfect set-up for Cyndi.



Then it was time for the main act and everybody’s sweetheart Cyndi Lauper. She bounded onto the stage in a black and white striped silk suit ready to rock. Cyndi first came onto the scene with her debut album “She’s So Unusual”, and brought a new voice (literally) to the pop music scene. Cyndi was the first solo artist in history to have four top-five singles released from one album. The thing that is most remarkable about Cyndi Lauper is not her voice (which is terrific), but her upbeat attitude and non-stop energy. Halfway through her show, she came down into the audience as though they were old friends and practically sang face to face with crowd. It really takes a carefree performer and free spirit to do that, especially today.



Cyndi’s first encore included songs from her first album including "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" and "Time after Time". Once again, she came down into the crowd for an intimate moment with her fans. She even welcomed her original guitarist and band mate to accompany her on the classic "She Bop". I was really amazed how great she looks and her voice never sounded better as she belted out song after hit song. Cyndi continues to reinvent herself and broaden her musical scope.



The second encore brought everyone back on stage together for the grand finale. Together, everyone sang "Money Changes Everything" and "Everyday People", alluding to the fact that we’re all the same no matter what our sexual orientation. Giant multi-colored balloons were released into the audience and kept the crowd going as they batted them around the theater. After four hours of screaming, dancing and clapping, we were all pretty spent. True Colors Concert Grade: A ++



The great news is that The Greek Theater’s Concert Series has just started and will be running through October. Upcoming shows include HippieFest 2008, Tony Bennett, Jethro Tull, Dolly Parton, the LA Jazz and Music Festival with Kenny G, James Taylor, The Gypsy Kings, John Mellencamp, The Black Crowes (pictured below) and Ringo Starr and his All-Star band to name just a few.



I’d like to give a special shout out and thank you to the staff of The Greek Theatre for being so accommodating and making this truly, a night to remember.

For a complete listing of all the upcoming shows, go to the official website at www.GreekTheatreLA.com

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