Veteran Director Bob Kelly pulls
together a panoply of old and new theatrical faces for a heartstrings
tugging ode to the most wonderful time of the year in "Christmas
by Candlelight".running through December 23.
No real plot, simply a very diverse
musical array of what Christmas means to family and loved ones; a
sumptuous banquet of sentimental, humorous and joyous musings.
Renown composers by the score were
listed, many from Broadway. Jerry Herman's “We Need A Little
Christmas” opened the show, perhaps a metaphor for the global
conflicts abroad and the divisiveness nationally. Jule Styne and
Sammy Cahn, partners in numerous Brdway shows also wrote “Let It
Snow” and “Christmas Waltz”. My favorite '50's cowboy, Gene
Autry composed “Here Comes Santa Claus”. Frank Loesser, of the
immortal “Guys & Dolls” wrote “Baby It's Cold Outside”,
finessed charmingly by Colleen McGinness and Rick Fountas. Meredith
Willson of “Music Man' fame composed “It's Beginning To Look A
Lot Like Christmas”. The chestnut, “Christmas Song” by Mel
Torme, channeled by Timothy Lamont Cannon provoked some dewy eyes by
those at our table.
This is a show of firsts: the first
time ice skating was danced on NCT stage. Ice dancing choreographer
Peter Bricotto gingerly navigated the tiny stage and exhibited fluid
moves.
One of my favorite and certainly one
of the most supremely talented choreographers in the region signed on
for the show, Jen Quinn. Hopefully she will become a staple at this
venerable venue. There were multitudinous tempo changes in the
multitude of numbers and Jen's charges did not miss a step.
The vocal stars of the show – as
they have in past productions – are David Snyder and Erica Scanlon
Harr. Erica serves as emcee, segueing from one theme to another. Her
monologue is perhaps a bit schmaltzy and at points, slows the energy
created by the talented ensemble.
However, the duos clarion voices excel
in “Have Yourself A Merry Merry Christmas” and “Silver Bells”.
Music Director David Wills did a wonderful job in ensemble
harmonizing of the joyous and jubilant religious oeuvres such as
“Little Drummer Boy”, “O Holy Night” and “Do You Hear What
I Hear”, featuring the beauteous Lindsay Mauck.
Mr. Cannon doubles down as Costume
Designer. I am well aware his budget is slim. Yet, the outfits on the
women sparkle like the top of the tree.
Another new face behind stage is Tracy
Friswell Jacobs, who has brought several 9-13 year olds to perform.
Some of the kids' bios are precious: Lily Grace Nordheimer is “super
excited to be on the main stage”; Evelyn Schiavone declares “I
have been an actress for 4 years!!!”
A tender and warm hearted show for the
entire family. A great gift and a great way for your kids to be
inspired by seeing other kids perform.
NCTstage.org Through December 23
302.475.2313
Tracy Jacobs has her own show with
these kids and more upcoming on the Laird stage at Tatnall school on
15 and 16 December. NYOTC.org Tickets 302.595.4160
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