This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
When country singer Taylor Swift performs in concert, it's not just a musical event, it's an all-out Broadway production.
Her 2-hour-and-15-minute show on Wednesday at the EnergySolutions Arena included eight costume changes, several professional dance numbers and all sorts of special effects including confetti, fireworks and Swift appearing and disappearing in trap doors on the stage.
And if that's not enough drama, the set was constantly in motion. The Grammy winner took her fans from a fairy tale castle to a hillbilly front porch, a church, a school and then into an enchanted forest with a rotating tree. Large screens behind the stage and on both sides projected Swift's every move
All the theatrical antics were simply a vehicle for the 14,000-member audience, mostly tween girls and their mothers, to sing along with the country and pop superstar.
Swift kicked off the concert with her popular "Sparks Fly" and quickly followed with "Mine" and "The Story of Us," all the while strumming the guitar and flipping her blond locks up and down and side to side.
After a quick costume change it was on to "Our Song" and "Mean," where she showcased her talent on the banjo.
Dressing in a long blue gown, Swift performed "Back to December" on a white baby grand piano accompanied by a dozen violins.
About halfway through the concert Swift made her signature walk to the back of the arena, spending several minutes shaking hands and hugging audience members. She climbed the mini stage where she played a ukulele and performed "Fearless."
She closed the 18-song show with "Fifteen" and "Love Story," where she was carried around the arena on a floating castle balcony
Fans seem to never tire of Swift's songs, which focus mostly on first crushes, first loves and breaking up. But it would be nice if Swift, who will be 22 in December, would broaden her horizon and write and sing about something else meaningful — war, poverty even death.
But Swift makes no apologies about her infatuation with relationships, especially when things don't work out. "I think that's when you need music the most," she said.
Opening the show were 26-year-old country singer Charlie Worsham and NeedtoBreathe, whose latest album was released last week and made a Top 10 splash.
Taylor Swift
R The show was not just a concert but a theatrical production.
With • NeedtoBreathe and Charlie Worsham
Where • EnergySolutions Arena
When • Wednesday, Sept. 28