Josh Groban’s “Bridges Tour” Packs Mohegan Sun Arena!

TAMPA BREAKWAY FESTIVAL – April 26th-27th

TAMPA BREAKWAY FESTIVAL – April 26th-27th
Josh Groban

By Mike McKenney, Rock At Night New England

Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena-Uncasville, Connecticut–November 10, 2018

Josh Groban’s “Bridges Tour” Packs Mohegan Sun Arena! with “Very Special Guest” Idina Menzel

Josh Groban

The line to enter the Arena looked endless as Internationally renowned singer, songwriter, and actor, Josh Groban brought his instantly recognizable booming baritone voice to the Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday night. With such uplifting songs as, “Bigger Than Us” and “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)”, Josh had the mostly older audience in the palm of his hand from the start.  Blending seamlessly with a full orchestra, Groban showcased his powerful voice on Broadway numbers, “Pure Imagination” (from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”) and the “Les Misérables” cover, “Bring Him Home”.

Idina Menzel

Billed as “Very Special Guest”, film and Broadway star, Idina Menzel opened the show with her popular hits, “Brave”, and “I Stand” before breaking out a few Broadway songs. Idina, known for voicing Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen” and originating the roles of Elphaba in “Wicked” and Maureen Johnson in “Rent,” included song selections from each of her Broadway musicals in her set from “Let It Go”(Frozen), “Over the Moon” (from Rent) to an amazing finale of “Defying Gravity” (Wicked). Idina mentioned that this tour means a lot to her, thanking Groban for inviting her to perform with him and for “being such a good friend and special person.”

“He’s as kind and generous as he is talented, and I love him very much,” Menzel said. “We’re really happy to be a part of the family and going on this journey with him.”

Josh Groban and Idina Menzel

During one of the many conversations with the audience, a bearded Josh Groban mentioned his work on Netflix’s The Good Cop, joking, “I had an amazing time, but they made me shave the beard because it is detective protocol to be clean-shaven–and I combed my hair like I used to do in sixth grade. I played Detective Tony Caruso Jr., goody two shoes, rule-abiding, infraction-giving homicide detective,” Groban said of his role on The Good Cop, “I missed the beard. I haven’t had a beard my whole life, and I have one now because I like having a place to keep snacks and coins.”

Josh Groban

Halfway through his set, Josh left the main stage and made his way down to Stage B (a small stage near the back of the arena). Performing a moving cover of Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman.” Idina Menzel joined Groban and they performed two songs together on the small stage, “Lullaby” and “Falling Slowly.”

Back at the main stage, Josh completely blew the crowd away with his incredible “You Raise Me Up”, and ended the night with everyone on their feet for “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. The “Bridges Tour” is an example of excellence from the first note. A rare opportunity to experience two such extraordinary vocal instruments along with a world class orchestra, make this a must see show!

Idina Menzel setlist:
Brave
I Stand
The Wizard and I (from “Wicked”)
Don’t Rain on My Parade (Barbra Streisand cover)
Do You Want to Build a Snowman? (from “Frozen”)
Life is Good
Extraordinary
I Melt With You (Modern English cover)
Let It Go (from “Frozen”)
Over the Moon (from “Rent”)
Take Me or Leave Me (from “Rent”)
No Day But Today (from “Rent”)
For Good (from “Wicked”)
Defying Gravity (from “Wicked”)

Josh Groban setlist:
Bigger Than Us
You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)
Won’t Look Back
Granted
Pure Imagination (from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”)
Oceano
She’s Always a Woman (Billy Joel cover)
Lullaby (with Idina Menzel)
Falling Slowly (“Once” cover with Idina Menzel)
Bring Him Home (“Les Misérables” cover)
Música del Corazón
River
Alla Luce del Sole
Awake
You Raise Me Up

Encore
To Where You Are
Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel cover)

Photo Gallery

Mike McKenney

Forest Live Festival – UK

Forest Live Festival – UK