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REVIEW: Sullivan Rep capped off their premiere season with a heartwarming ‘Annie’

Posted on December 27, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

The power of tomorrow.

Generations have grown up with some version of little orphan Annie and her trusty dog Sandy who meets billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks during Depression-era New York in 1933. It is a classic family tale for all ages with the eternal promise that no matter what happens, there is always hope. As the intimate, sweet-sounding orchestra chimed its first triumphant, horn-infused notes of the overture from the stage highlighting song snippets of It’s a Hard Knock Life, Fully Dressed, and Tomorrow, Sullivan Rep proves this steadfast musical favorite never goes out of style.

To cap off their first season of New Beginnings and Opportunities, Sullivan Rep brought back this beloved musical classic to a sold out audience for most of its run. Directed warmly by Dan Sullivan, Annie continued its successful run through Sunday, December 21 live and in person at The Windsor Club of Waban in Newton, Massachusetts. The music was two and a half hours including an intermission. Click here for more information.

Charlotte Kuong and Leah Hudson in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

Part of what makes Annie such fun to produce is although the tale remains the same, there is always room to perform it a little differently each time. Having seen the beloved 1982 film adaptation featuring a brilliant cast including Tim Curry, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Aileen Quinn, and the late great Albert Finney, it is easy to forget the stage version sticks to the storyline for the most part, but also contains additional songs. Sullivan Rep also added some welcome candid quips to the show such as ‘Some were from the Bronx, Miss,’ and ‘Just think…New Jersey’ for added humor as well as a touching moment when all the orphans harmonize for the final phrase in the number Maybe for added resonance.

Rather than utilizing the Windsor Club stage itself, Dan Sullivan made the most of the space for Annie by performing it at eye level in the auditorium to create an immersive experience featuring a pared down set the cast set up and took down with each scene. From a startling lightning storm to a red glowing stove to colorful and festive cheer, lighting director Erik Fox kept the show’s optimistic spirit in check throughout the production.

The Orphans perform ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ in ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

Wearing thick scarves, layers and period hats, a group of homeless New Yorkers delivered a spirited version of Hooverville which dials into social injustices during the Great Depression and the not so unfamiliar financial tension of today. In a pinstriped suit and silk tie, Todd Yard boasted soaring vocals as workaholic and tough-minded New York City billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks as he paid tribute to his beloved city with N.Y.C. before later performing a stirring rendition of Something was Missing which is just a couple of the additional songs included in the stage version of the musical, but not in the film. N.Y.C. had a skip in its step featuring piles of presents, special appearances by Mr. Peanut and Santa Claus and a wowed city newcomer who delivered stunning vocals in her brief appearance during the song.

Charlotte Kuong and Todd Yard in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sulliva Rep

In a fur lined coat and lilac heels, Temma Boudreau charmingly depicts elegant Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’s levelheaded secretary and shares a few sweet moments of her own with Kuong. Boudreau’s breezy yet professional demeanor fit in well with Yard’s no nonsense moxie.

Donning a straight red haircut, Charlotte Kuong depicted a bit more restrained version of Annie still infused with cleverness, earnestness and charm. Her strong and clear vocals were most prominent during the numbers Maybe with adorable Leah Hudson as Molly as well as the show’s signature song, Tomorrow. She also shared some endearing moments with Yard as Oliver Warbucks and charming him into seeing New York City with her was a particular highlight.

Temma Boudreau and Charlotte Kuong in ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

The orphans’ version of Fully Dressed is adorable and sure to make you smile. Sound designer Andrew Mulholland successfully rewound the clock featuring vintage radio programs and an always entertaining look at how radio created sound effects in the 30s.

In curlers and a whistle that she makes the most of during the show, Carly Evans depicts a sarcastic and matter of fact Miss Hannigan. While some actresses sink their teeth into what can be considered an over the top role, Evans instead downplayed Miss Hannigan as exasperated, dark and moody showing off her strident vocals for Little Girls as the orphans demonstrated their knack for pushing her buttons. Cristhian Mancinas-Garcia as Hannigan’s conman brother Rooster and Melissa Paz as bleached blond Lily St. Regis make an amusing, sleazy pair and with Evans, a trio of conspiratorial adversaries. Paz is a powerful singer and looked like she enjoyed portraying a woman who can’t sing. Some of the rollicking chorography of Easy Street offered some subtle nods to the film version.

Brian Higgins as FDR and cast in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

From select city shoppers to matching uniformed house staff to government officials, this enthusiastic ensemble cast enhanced the joy in this classic tale highlighted by Brian Higgins as a jovial and charismatic FDR, Robert Orzalli as Drake with a twinkle in his eye, Anthony Rinaldi stood out as jocular radio announcer Bert Healey, and the gum chewing, New Yorker Boylan Sisters were a treat.

Sullivan Rep capped off their season with Annie through Sunday, December 21 live and in person at The Windsor Club of Waban in Newton, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and what is in store next season.

REVIEW: Anything goes in Ryan Landry’s ‘The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show’

Posted on January 3, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Three chrome microphones, two slaying reindeer and one Mrs. Grinchley describes just a fraction of Ryan Landry’s wild tale as The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.

From ugly holiday sweaters to antler ears to twinkling light necklaces to candy cane shirts, it was a festive and dynamic crowd that attended The Rocky Horror Menorah Christmas Show. Refreshments and merchandise were available at the theatre and envelopes were taped to the back of each seat for donations.

TURN AROUND: Taryn Lane as Janet and Eric McGowan as Brad, Briana Scafidi, Alex Davis, Kaedon Gray, and Spookey as the Snow Cone Dancers Photo by Michael von Redlich

The Gold Dust Orphans are known for delivering their own take on vintage films indicated by the retro black and white tube TV which illustrated each theme that was happening onstage through various film montages from Bambi to The Shining. This is The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a holiday twist, but do not expect to hear the songs known from the popular film. Though the story’s characters, a portion of the costumes, and set up are similar which included the signature glittering lips, A Rocky Menorah Christmas Show featured original music with a jingle bell twist by Tad McKittrick and Tim Lawton parodying a number of popular songs by Patti Smith, David Bowie, Meatloaf, Bonnie Tyler, Taylor Dayne, Joe Cocker and the Go-Gos.

Welcome comedic local references varied from quips about North Shore Massachusetts accents to local landmarks to host puppets ‘GBH’s Jim Braude and Margery Eagan bringing clever humor to their signature banter. Additionally, The Brookline Sisters, a vintage trio of glittering backup singers in red, green and yellow composed of Tad McKittrick, Lizette Morris and Gina Carmella, acted as commentators and semi-narrators throughout this production.

To be clear, never been a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in any of its various forms. After several attempts, still not a fan. Rocky Horror Picture Show is considered a cult classic, but in the Tim Curry-iness of it all, Clue is the preferred cult classic in this critic’s book.

BRAD&JANET: Eric McGowan as Brad Keebler and Taryn Lane as Janet Winky Photos by Michael von Redlich

Sure, The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 film was risqué and banked on shock value not particularly relevant to the story and this show is similar in that regard. The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show focuses on two Christian elves decked out in fluffy pink and blue that spring a flat on their sled and their only hope is to get help at a mysterious and ice laden castle. Janet, depicted by Taryn Lane, is an insufferable, demanding, melodramatic, and superstitious know-it-all while Brad, portrayed by Eric McGowan, is a henpecked, timid, and dimwitted follower.

Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley dons convincing green makeup and depicts the mastermind of this particular operation accompanied by ghoulish companions Kiki Samko as maid Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Butler Gift Wrap. Though at first this Grinch can be a mean one, Murphy’s Grinchley is a candid and bawdy creature that runs the moral compass of this zany universe. Political and religious ribbings and commentary run as amok as this lusty and at times darkly humorous tale takes shape.

GRINCHLEY: Kaedon Gray and Briana Scafidi as the Snow Cone Dancers, Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley Photo by Michael von Redlich

Directed by Kiki Samko and choregraphed by Briana Scafidi, the cast collectively delivered strong vocals and are skilled dancers especially in the athleticism and impressive stunts performed by Spookey in a Speedo and sunglasses featured in 20^th Century Boy. This semi-immersive and interactive show occasionally breaks the 4^th wall and the characters sometimes are not limited to the stage.

FUCHSIA & GIFTWRAP: Kiki Samko as Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Gift Wrap Photo by Michael von Redlich

The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show is fast paced, but especially in the second half, starts to lose focus and hits a fork in the road in more ways than one. From a dirty Santa to blow up astronauts to demons to ghouls to tap dancing reindeer to a blow up yellow monster, anything goes and this cast does not leave much to the imagination. While the show does not seem to take itself seriously, when it does toward the end, its strong message seems a strange extra in this wild parody.

The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.

REVIEW: With a mix of joy, reflection, and sweet surprises, The Holiday Pops’ milestone 50th year continues to make the season bright

Posted on December 22, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

From hymnal to classical to Santa to the Grinch, The Holiday Pops offers something for everyone and makes it easy to alleviate the stress of the season and happily embrace what truly matters.

Celebrating a milestone 50^th year and the welcome return of the all-volunteer Tanglewood Festival Chorus, The Holidays Pops delivers a tapestry of classical and beloved Christmas carols, spiritual hymns, as well as holiday traditions through art and illustrations which always includes an annual visit from a surprisingly innovative and always jolly Santa Claus. Boston Pops conductor and host, Keith Lockhart garners warmth and reflective holiday cheer weaving in a certain classic Grinch quote by Dr. Seuss, a highly anticipated sing-along, and maybe even a dancing Maestro.

12.1.23 Keith Lockhart conducts Holiday Pops 2023 (Hilary Scott)

Sponsored by Fidelity Investments, led by Keith Lockhart, and ideal for the whole family, The Holiday Pops continues at Boston Symphony Hall through Christmas Eve. The show runs two hours including an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Elegantly adorning the intrinsically-detailed gold balconies with twinkling lights on thick, festive wreaths is just a sampling of the stunning surroundings inside Symphony Hall. The stage spontaneously comes to life from illuminated gifts to lighted Christmas trees to glimmering dancing snowflakes.

12.1.23 Baritone Andrew Garland performs Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols with the Holiday Pops (Hilary Scott)

This beautiful performance delivered equal doses of contemplative material and lightheartedness with the first half fanciful and spiritual. Among the many highlights, Baritone Andrew Garland grandly delivered an eloquent and soaring rendition of Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

12.1.23 12 Days of Christmas with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (Hilary Scott)

With a generation bombarded with CGI and AI, The Holiday Pops thrilled audiences with author Jan Brett’s colorful, authentic and imaginative illustrations. Accompanied by seamless orchestration by the Boston Pops, the audience absorbed themselves in a Jan Brett children’s book that offers a rich new vision of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker. Among the memorable images was a fire breathing dragon, reindeers that have antlers with lighted candlesticks, dancing bears, and Santa in a headstand wearing a bucket hat.

12.1.23 Tribute to Harry Belafonte at Holiday Pops (Hilary Scott)

The evening also contained a moving tribute to EGOT Winner, activist, and musician Harry Belafonte not only honoring Belafonte’s calypso-inspired classic tunes, but his impressive activism featuring various pictures and video of his part in the March on Washington, supporting Martin Luther King Jr, and his work with UNICEF.

The Pops delivered a captivating gospel tribute in Swahili called The Good News Voyage arranged by David Coleman which contained Go Tell it on the Mountain. In the second half of the show, The Holidays Pops presented a Jewish song sung in Hebrew, Tikkun Olan (Heal the World), a riveting rendition expressing the yearning and urgency to heal and repair the world ‘Pray for peace and justice/For the sake of peace/heal the world’ as the tempo accelerated into a powerful crescendo.

12.1.23 Santa Claus with Keith Lockhart (Hilary Scott)

Brimming with beloved classic Christmas carols and guest appearances by Santa and more, the second half of Holiday Pops was a vibrant, yuletide spectacle joyfully kicking off with Sebesky’s Frosty All the Way, a jazz-infused medley featuring Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman and more. The brass ensemble spinning their instruments was among the playful sights as they performed this catchy and airy collection of carols.

12 Days of Christmas

Boston Pops’ charming signature versions of Sleigh Ride are always clever, cheeky, and increasingly full of madcap high jinks and the 12 Days of Christmas show that anything can happen among illuminated dancing snowflakes. The Holiday Pops also presented a special annual reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s Twas the Night before Christmas, read briskly by enthusiastic special guest WBZ News journalist Matt Shearer to mark its publication nearly 200 years ago before Santa arrived. While bulbs glow to the beat, the jolly Tanglewood Festival Chorus delivered A Merry Little Singalong in Santa hats and ears which included Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Walking in a Winter Wonderland, and more.

Holiday Pops concluded with the tender Let There Be Peace on Earth, as Earth shone overhead, brilliantly conveying the quiet hope for the coming New Year.

REVIEW: Whimsical and festive, Celebrity Series of Boston at Home extends the holiday season with Jason Palmer Quintet’s distinct and upbeat free digital concert

Posted on January 16, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

We all just wanted the holiday season to last just a bit longer.

With the uncertainty and bitter temperatures in this New Year just weeks into 2022, it is difficult to part from the bustling excitement of last year’s holiday season. Musicals, plays, concerts, and more burst onto the stage cautiously but assuredly to deliver holiday cheer, some escapism, and to offer new and hopeful insight into what we have all been going through.

Trumpeter Jason Palmer, tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, pianist Kevin Harris, bassist Max Ridley and drummer Lee Fish continues digital stream for two more months. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

In December, The Jason Palmer Quintet lit up the Arlington Street Church in Boston live and in person amid festively adorned green and gold wreaths while sharing some new music twists to a few beloved Christmas carols. Don’t expect to hear these traditional Christmas carols without some clever and spirited flair.

Celebrity Series of Boston at Home is extending the spirit of the season with their free pre-recorded digital concert, part of the Neighborhood Arts, Jazz and Contemporary Music Series, The Jason Palmer Quintet. This warmhearted concert is accessible for two more months and runs under 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and additional selections from Jason Palmer and his quintet.

Trumpeter Jason Palmer, tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, bassist Max Ridley and drummer Lee Fish Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

Infusing music dynamos Duke Ellington and brothers Elvin and Thad Jones into eloquent compositions, The Jason Palmer Quintet arranges what trumpeter Jason Palmer affectionately calls ‘derangements.’ These derangements weave unique and lighthearted spins into traditional carols while each performer has their own chance to shine.

Bassist Max Ridley and drummer Lee Fish caught on camera! Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

Some of the concert highlights include an extended and impressive trumpet solo to open the show in the smooth and mid-tempo Sunset and Mockingbird/Christmas Song and Lee Fish’s playful drum solo during Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as the drum beat imitates hooves on a rooftop. It’s a sweeping, quiet build to Rudolph’s catchy chorus. Trumpeter Jason Palmer, tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, pianist Kevin Harris, bassist Max Ridley and drummer Lee Fish are all so well in sync and it is fascinating to watch them pair off as the instruments ‘chat,’ jam, and gradually build before circling back to that familiar tune with an unexpected flair and flourish.

ChristmasTime is Here is an expressive, rumbling, and fast-paced imagining of Vince Guaraldi’s easygoing classic number. With more hustle, the musicians glide and veer into their own peaks and valleys highlighted by dynamic pianist Kevin Harris tickling the keys under a church sign that reads ‘To the Glory of God.’

Pianist Kevin Harris in action Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

What is certain about this quintet is if the viewer listens carefully to their clever compositions, one may detect an extra carol or two within their potent rhythms. For example, stray lyrics to Sleigh Ride can be heard within an eclectic medley of Silver Bells/A Child is Born and Santa Claus in Coming to Town emerges from a rolling and upbeat Greensleeves medley. They certainly kept this enthusiastic audience on their toes.

Celebrity Series at Home is extending the mistletoe and holly with free digital concert, The Jason Palmer Quintet for two more months. Click here to view the concert, more information, and additional selections from Jason Palmer and his quintet.

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company’s classic ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ delivers a gentle nudge of holiday cheer

Posted on December 18, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

Miracle on 34^th Street is a simple tale with a big message.

During this time of year, faith is a predominant theme within many holiday productions such as faith in humanity, in God, and in a “right jolly old elf.” From Twas the Night Before Christmas to A Christmas Carol, the holiday spirit shines through, a temporary feeling that really should last all year long.

Directed with charm by Ilyse Robbins, based on the book by Valentine Davies, and adapted by Mountain Community Theatre, Greater Boston Stage Company’s Miracle on 34^th Street continues through Sunday, December 22 at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.

Set in New York City, Miracle on 34th Street is about a mysterious man who becomes a last minute replacement for Santa Claus at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He befriends Susie Walker, a precocious little girl portrayed with grace and charm by Addison McWayne, who is far too sensible for childish things including believing in Santa Claus. Natalie Wood rose to fame in her role as Susie Walker with Maureen O’Hara as Doris Walker in the beloved 1947 film.

Jon Savage’s vibrant set design includes a lovely, towering, and whimsical Christmas tree that contributes its own unique part in the tale. The famous parade is just one of the events that take place in the aisles during this semi-immersive production.

Though this production of Miracle of 34^th Street is not considered a musical, it does have its share of musical moments. From gift wrapping to sweeping the store shelves, the store workers do more than whistle while they work, swaying and lifting their voices in a variety of spontaneous Christmas carols such as The 12 Days of Christmas, Sleigh Ride, and The Nutcracker Suite led by the mirthful vocal stylings of David Jiles Jr. as Mr. Adams.

Packed with a likeable cast of characters including a lively and noteworthy performance by Gary Thomas NG as Alfred, Miracle on 34th Street shows it is sometimes better to see with the heart rather than the head. Gary Thomas NG is captivating as Alfred, a humble and gleeful janitor full of holiday cheer. NG depicts Alfred with a song in his heart as he spontaneously leaps for joy across the stage. His comic scenes with William Gardiner as gentle, jovial and unfailingly forthright Kris Kringle are a particular highlight as they compete in board games and engage in candid conversations. With warm charisma and that signature twinkle, William Gardiner fills Kris Kringle’s red suspenders with finesse and of the many iconic conversations he has with McWayne’s Susie, their playful dialogue about imagination is just wonderful.

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In a red coat and distinctive 50s red lipstick, Sara Coombs portrays Doris Walker, an astute and shrewd businesswoman. It is amusing to watch Walker and her “mini-me” daughter Susie as they inadvertently duplicate each other’s mannerisms. Susie is seemingly as mature, confident, and shrewd as her elegant mother. Showing a great rapport with each cast member, Michael Jennings Mahoney is refreshing as fun loving and laid back Fred. Barlow Adamson exacts Macy store manager Mr. Shellhammer’s nervous and priceless tense expressions prevalent during the holiday season.

Having last seen Juliet Bowler in an affecting performance at Flat Earth Theatre’s Not Medea, it is no surprise that Bowler show off her talents as insecure, strict and secretive Leslie Sawyer. Her cold disdain and devious manipulations reach Grinch-like proportions. Sara Gazdowicz also takes an amusing turn as a fast talking, accent-rich NYC cop.

Greater Boston Stage Company Miracle on 34th Street Leslie, Kris, and cast

Juliet Bowler as Mrs. Sawyer, Barlow Adamson as Mr. Shellhammer, Sara Coombs as Doris Walker, and William Gardiner as Kris Kringle Photo courtesy of Nile Scott Studios/Greater Boston Stage Company

While some performances demonstrate holiday spirit in pomp and spectacle, Greater Boston Stage Company delivers that feeling with a gentle nudge of heartwarming cheer. Greater Boston Stage Company’s Miracle on 34^th Street through Sunday, December 22. Click here for more information and tickets. Click here to learn more about Greater Boston Stage Company and their upcoming 2020 productions.

REVIEW: Captivating and lighthearted, Boston’s annual Holiday Pops as festive as ever

Posted on December 19, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

In its 23^rd year, The Holiday Pops are in full swing and as festive as ever! Illustration and illumination dominated this year’s performances woven into a wide spectrum of Christmas carols, spiritual hymns, and holiday traditions. Whether it’s the excitement of the all-volunteer Tanglewood Festival Chorus, the Boston Pops adding their own unique, personal flair, or their highly anticipated sing-along, The Holiday Pops makes it easy to alleviate the stress of the season and happily embrace what truly matters. Sponsored by Fidelity Investments and led by Keith Lockhart, The Holiday Pops at Boston Symphony Hall continues through Christmas Eve. Click here for more information and tickets.

Elegantly adorning the intrinsically-detailed gold balconies are twinkling lights on thick, festive wreaths, just a sampling of the stunning surroundings inside Symphony Hall. During the show, the stage spontaneously came to life with a variety of scenery illuminated above the stage from flickering candles to colorful, dancing snowflakes.

This beautiful performance of Holiday Pops delivered equal doses of reflective material and lightheartedness, the first half playful and spiritual. Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival which included Deck the Halls, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Silent Night kicked off a memorable first half. The Boston Pops orchestra performed a harmonious and airy rendition of Parade of the Wooden Soldiers accompanied by a bright, festive short film created with original artwork and animation by FableVision Studios.

The Holidays Pops reflected on the revelation of Jesus during Shepherd’s Chorus as well as The Festival of Lights in an increasingly uplifting Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah featuring detailed portraits illustrated by children’s book artist, Judith Clark. With stirring excerpts from O Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child is This, Go Tell it On the Mountain, and more, acclaimed baritone David McFerrin narrated The Christmas Story illustrated with Tomie dePaola’s original artwork.

Brimming with beloved classic Christmas carols and guest appearances by Santa and more, the second half of Holiday Pops was a vibrant, yuletide spectacle. While bulbs glowing to the beat, the jolly Tanglewood Festival Chorus delivered a string of Christmas waltzes, singalongs, and more including the annual reading of Clement Charke Moore’s Twas The Night Before Christmas, read enthusiastically by special guest, Boston journalist Janet Wu.

Boston’s charming signature versions of Sleigh Ride and the always clever and amusing 12 Days of Christmas were welcome additions to the mix as Santa Claus made his grand entrance. Holiday Pops concluded with Let There Be Peace on Earth, as Earth shone overhead, brilliantly conveyed the quiet hope for the coming New Year.

The Boston Pops presents the beloved holiday film, ‘Home Alone in Concert’ with live orchestra December 29 and 30. Photo credit to Twentieth Century Fox/Boston Pops

Before ringing in the New Year, The Boston Pops will offer special presentations of Christmas film favorite, Home Alone featuring the music of John Williams with live orchestra at Symphony Hall on December 29 and 30. The Boston Pops will cap off the year with their annual New Year’s Eve concert led by actor, animator, singer, and filmmaker, Seth McFarlane.

All performances take place at Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets, through SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200, and at the Symphony Hall Box Office, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts. The Holiday Pops are also available at home with A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall album through ITunes, Amazon, and Amazon MP3.

Holiday Pops makes annual return to Symphony Hall with sing-a-long carols, holiday cheer, and Santa Claus

Posted on November 30, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

The spirit of the season comes knocking as the Holiday Pops make their way to Symphony Hall bringing sing-a-long carols and brimming with holiday cheer. For over 20 years, decking out Symphony Hall has become an annual Boston tradition, seeped in the luminous sights and sounds of the season and welcoming audiences from near and far. At the helm once again is renowned maestro Keith Lockhart to conduct Holiday Pops 2017 from Tuesday, December 5 and continuing through Christmas Eve. Cap off the year and return to Symphony Hall for a special New Year’s Eve Party featuring the Boston Pops led by returning bandleader Bo Winiker. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Keith Lockhart leads the Holiday Pops Photo courtesy of Stu Rosner/BSO

Holiday Pops features approximately 40 evening and matinee performances featuring an array of beloved carols, storytelling, and a traditional holiday sing-along. Morning kid matinees are also available which includes photos with Santa and much more. Children under 2 get in free. Kicking off on December 2, The Holiday Pops will also be on the road touring New England with Keith Lockhart and Santa in tow for The Boston Pops Holiday Tour. Click here for tour dates and locations.

Bring Holiday Pops home with the Boston Pops all-live CD. Savor the sounds of the season right in the living room with A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall, virtually bringing the listener right through the Symphony Hall doors to enjoy a time-honored Christmas tradition for the entire family.

With Keith Lockhart leading the Boston Pops, A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall features a gorgeous Christmas medley from American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle along with audience favorites such as Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Merrily We Sing Along.

Photo courtesy of Bo Winiker

Click here for tickets, call SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200, and are also available at the Symphony Hall Box Office, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, Massachusetts. A Boston Pops Christmas: Live from Symphony Hall CD is available through ITunes, Amazon, and Amazon MP3.

REVIEW: Massasoit Theatre Company’s ‘Miracle on 34th Street the Musical’ a faithfully-festive, whimsical adventure

Posted on December 15, 2016 by The Sleepless Critic

The cast of Massasoit Theatre Company’s production of “Miracle on 34th Street the Musical.” Cast as the Rockettes and a train conductor.

miracles-kelly-hines-and-austin-archabal

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Rocheteau. From L to R: Austin Archabal as Susan and Kelly Hines as Doris in Massasoit Theatre Company’s “Miracle on 34th Street the Musical”

It is easy to see why Massasoit Theatre Company selected Miracle on 34^th Street the Musical as part of its 50^th anniversary season. While holiday shows often delve into the true meaning of the Christmas season, Miracle also festively explores with heartwarming humor what makes one shun imagination and blind faith for solemn practicality. It also reminds the audience what makes faith in everything so precious. Directed by Nathan Fogg, produced by Mark Rocheteau, and choreographed by Samantha Brior Jones, Massasoit Theatre Company continues its run of Miracle on 34^th Street the Musical through Sunday, December 18. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Set in New York City on Thanksgiving Day prior to an impressive depiction of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Kelly Hines as Doris is in the midst of a crisis. The Santa Claus they hired for the parade is out of commission at the last minute. Enter Craig O’Connor as charismatic and whimsical Kris, who may be just what Macy’s is looking for. This family friendly, classic tale is further enhanced by its beautiful, uplifting score by Meredith Wilson, who co-penned another beloved musical classic, The Music Man with Franklin Lacey. Massasoit’s Theatre Company’s Miracle on 34^th Street the Musical delves into familiar carols such as It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas as well as catchy, playful, and original numbers such as She Hadda Go Back, a song reminiscent of Music Man’s memorable, comedic number, Trouble. Each number offers deeper and meaningful insight into each character as well as heighten the show’s inherent message without veering off course.

Kelly Hines portrays Doris’s irrepressibly determined nature right down to her poised chin. Protective and practical, Hines exudes a sweet chemistry with Austin Archabal as Doris’s precocious, but curious daughter Susan, especially evident during their harmonious number, Arm in Arm. Hines also shows a new and incalculable side to her when she meets Matt Torrance as personable, but disciplined Fred Gailey. Hines offers an impassioned performance, especially with the number, You Don’t Know.

Austin Archabal shines as Susan, demonstrating her mother’s spunk, but peppered with wide-eyed wonder. She has natural and touching chemistry with each cast member, but is most memorable with Craig O’Connor’s wise, whimsical, and with a certain twinkle portrayal of bearded and spectacled Kris, especially during the number, Expect Things to Happen.

With equal twinkle and charisma is Matt Torrance’s brilliant performance as Fred. With smooth, silvery vocals, natural tap skills, and personable nature, Torrance is captivating in each scene and takes the humorous numbers, She Hadda Go Back and Look, Little Girl to a new level.

In a three piece suit, glasses, and an often frenzied look, Alexander Hagerty adds a hefty dose of zany humor as enthusiastic, and at times, bumbling Macy’s store assistant Marvin Shellhammer. From his wild antics and outlandish jingles, Hagerty is a comedic scene stealer. Possessing a melodic alto, Athan Mantalos also delivers a forthright and commanding performance as R.H. Macy.

From the portrayal of iconic holiday figures such as the Rockettes and Raggedy Ann and Andy to name a few to extraordinary and imaginative characters, the entire cast embraces holiday cheer set to a lively, ‘50s city tone and enhanced by sets depicting colorful city skylines, bright, detailed Christmas decorations, and a wide variety of creative costumes by Jennifer Spagone. Above all, Massasoit’s Theatre Company’s Miracle on 34^th Street the Musical depicts just what love and letting go will do.

Massasoit Theatre Company’s 50^th anniversary season presents their holiday production of Miracle on 34^th Street the Musical continuing through Sunday, December 18. All performances are held at Buckley Performing Arts Center, 1 Massasoit Boulevard in Brockton, MA. Click here for tickets and for further details of their 50^th season. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.