Tribute show to Trans-Siberian Orchestra to have two performances next week

Thomas Rudebeck said that nine years ago he became so infatuated with the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, he felt he had to put together a show in homage to the band.

Now, Rudebeck is executive producer of "Denial 3: The Prophecy Show, A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra," which will have two performances next week in Cape Girardeau.

Rudebeck said last year's two shows in Cape Girardeau sold out, and he expects similar ticket sales this year.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra began two decades ago, with a signature sound that is a fusion of metal and symphonic music.

"After 20 years of doing it, TSO is now the largest traveling show in the world," he said. "We wanted to model ourselves after them and get the music out to so many more people."

Lauren Conklin is a violinist with the Trans-Siberian tribute band that will perform Nov. 20 at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. (Submitted photo)

Each year, the band, called Denial 3, plays 15 to 20 tribute shows.

Rudebeck said The Prophecy Show tour, which lasts six weeks each year, from mid-November to the end of December, comes to smaller cities the Trans-Siberian Orchestra itself might not visit because of the size of its shows.

"For people who don't want to drive several hours to see the show, we bring it to you, so you can get the same experience," Rudebeck said.

That experience includes all the bells and whistles included in Trans-Siberian Orchestra performances, such as fog, falling snow and a laser light show, which Rudebeck said is a highlight of the performance.

Another authentic touch is that, like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the 13-member Denial 3, which is about a third the size of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, hits the stage wearing tuxedos.

The Prophecy Show is so authentic, a few years ago, after seeing the tribute band perform in a YouTube video, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and its management company endorsed the group.

"They contacted us from their New York office to basically give us a huge thanks and say they were flattered by what we were doing for them.

"It looks exactly like the TSO and it sounds like it, the whole concert is there," Rudebeck said.

Some of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra songs audiences of the tribute show can expect to hear include "Safe Noel," "Wizards in Winter" and "Christmas Eve Sarajevo."

"If you don't come, you're going to miss a Christmas concert experience," Rudebeck said. "It's not just come in, sit down and listen to music. You are actually experiencing something."

Samples of The Prophecy Show may be heard by visiting theprophecyshow.com.

"Denial 3: The Prophecy Show, A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra" will be performed Nov. 20 and 21 at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. General admission tickets are $10. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. both nights.

Pertinent address:

777 Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.