Paul O’Neill is the mastermind behind TSO. He took the band Savatage from being a fledgling prog-metal band to rich and famous musicians when he transformed them into his holiday vision. He added much more than a band, however. Lights, singers, fire, a story, a storyteller and brilliant musicians helped things along as well.

If one has not seen this TSO experience live then one has missed out on a true musical sensation. The stage and lights take nearly an entire day to set up. The synchronized laser light show; along with the jaw dropping musical and vocal talent is as magical and mysterious as Santa’s hat. It is more than just magic and music, however. It is the magic and music of the most wonderful time of the year: Christmas.

Philip Brandon acted as emcee for Act I, which is a tale of a Christmas angel helping a young girl get home to her family for the holiday season. Brandon is a master storyteller and his booming voice is used to convey moments of surprise, anguish, soulfulness and magic. While the lights whiz and the band flips their hair and the singers sing, it is Brandon who steals this part of the show. The tale is magical and brings a tear to one’s eye. It is a classic Christmas tale brought to you in full living color and sound.

Act II sees Brandon retreat to the backstage area and allows the band to show off. The musical brilliance in tandem with the spectacular display of pyrotechnics will have everyone on the edge of their seat. On this night, the band jammed and fire flew from across the arena as a standing room only crowd watched in amazement. It would be unfair to just mention the musicians, however. Vocalists Jeff Scott Soto, Andrew Ross (who steals Act I with his portrayal of a wino), Jane Mangini, Bart Shatto, Kristen Gorman, Tommy Farese and Tru Collins make one hell of a choir.

At the end of the day, TSO is the modern day Mannheim Steamroller with giant cahoonas. This is a rock show/Christmas celebration for all ages that will melt the heart of Scrooge himself. TSO is not just a show, it is a must-see yearly Christmas event that will remind one exactly why it ‘tis the season to be jolly.