TSO in 2020

[Mangar]

Now that they have made a name for themselves by putting on shows that are over the top, I wonder how the audience will react to more intimate venues that will likely restrict the "show".

The same way they did when they saw them in the smaller venues. When I first saw TSO before they went "over the top", that was the best of all of them I have seen. It's the music that is the draw, not the bells and whistles and if you don't believe that, watch how many people leave a TSO show after they have performed Christmas Sarajevo"...some come just to hear that one song and they are out the door.

I'm not so sure about that.  Since TSO is now known for having over-the-top shows, that's what many people expect to get when they buy tickets for a TSO show.  If they don't get what they expect, it's very possible they will feel let down.  As you said, you saw them before they went over the top, meaning you didn't go in with any preconceived ideas about them delivering a huge show, so naturally you weren't let down by what you got.  That's not the case for most people today.  

I've seen TSO with several friends who weren't very familiar with TSO's music, and for them, the spectacle was a huge part of the appeal.  They loved the lasers, the lights, the fire, etc.  One friend even said, "The music wouldn't be much on its own, but with all the lights and everything, it's a good show."  

If TSO really is going to play smaller venues with scaled back shows, I think it would be good for them to make it clear that that's what they're doing.  That way, the people who want all the spectacle won't be disappointed (and likewise, the people who prefer less over-the-top performances will be sure to buy tickets.)   

As for people leaving after "Christmas Eve, Sarajevo," that's really not a good sign.  It means there's only one TSO song they like, and even all the bells and whistles can't keep them interested in the rest of it.  It doesn't indicate that they would be more interested in sticking around for a low-key show.  I never noticed people doing that, though.