It seems like only yesterday that Shania Twain rode an ebony steed in front of Caesars Palace as throngs of fans watched from both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard. Twain’s grand entrance on Nov. 14, 2012, marked a two-year residency at The Colosseum that kicked off the following month with her first magic motorcycle ride to the stage, before she launched into set opener, “I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” This December finds Twain performing her final shows of Shania: Still the One, completing an engagement that put her in a pantheon with Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Elton John, Cher and Celine Dion.
Still the One has been both a career milestone and an evolution, as Shania took a Vegas-ized version of her show—including her band, dancers, backup singers and video segments—to Prince Edward Island in her home country to perform before 23,000 fans in August. The Canadian country chanteuse arrived back at Caesars Oct. 8 for 16 more dates, with her final show Dec. 13, at a time when the cowboy world is focused on Las Vegas for National Finals Rodeo. It’s a fitting final bow for the only Vegas headliner who rides a horse onstage.
Twain’s special rapport with her fans is as integral a part of her show as the “4-D” production design and costume changes. Part of her set is reserved for her to wander through the audience so concertgoers get a chance to take selfies with the star of the show in the shot, and a lucky few get to join her onstage for a “campfire” sequence. It’s the hits that the majority of fans come for, though, and Twain delivers with the help of an onstage string section and a trio of backup vocalists including her sister Carrie Ann Brown and twins Ryan and Dan Kowarsky.
Emerging in a crystal-studded semi-sheer bodysuit, Twain changes into pink boots and jeans as “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” and “No One Needs to Know” are performed in front of a honky-tonk backdrop. Video visuals preview the midriff-bearing leopard-skin outfit she dons for “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and convey her deep love for horses before she rides onstage wearing a white gown atop a matching Andalusian for “You’re Still the One.” It’s safe to say all eyes are on Twain for the finale, though, when she wears the sexiest of designer Marc Bouwer’s creations while performing “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
It’s also safe to say Twain has one of the hottest backing bands on the Strip. Where she takes her musicians after Still the One ends remains to be seen, but fan reaction to her Prince Edward Island concert demonstrated high demand for live Shania. A break from live performances gives Twain time to record or immerse herself in her charitable work for children, but if fans don’t want to gamble on Twain touring in the future, they have the chance to catch her at The Colosseum now.
Caesars Palace, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15, 17-18, 21 & 24-25, $55-$250 plus tax and fee. 888.929.7849
