Concert shows often use the tried-and-true formula. It goes like this: a popular singing star of group dressed in gaudy costumes performing on a large stage with scenic bells and whistles and a big band that periodically drowns out the lyrics
These shows usually start late, run too long, and if you're lucky and leave the parking lot within a reasonable time, you may arrive home around midnight.
Not so with "Broadway Holiday," the current touring show continuing through Dec. 20 at the Victoria Theatre.
The brisk two-act musical revue includes nearly 30 songs, mostly Broadway tunes featured on the White Way in the last 50 years. Holiday tunes, not nearly enough, are sprinkled in throughout the show. A better balance of Yuletide songs may have enhanced what is still a very good show.
Skillfully performed by a quintet of Broadway stars -- Carter Calvert, Rita Harvey, Marc Kudisch, Norm Lewis and Danny Zolli -- "Broadway Holiday" is a vocal treat, a soaring sound of lyrical delights. Not only are the solos, duets, trios and quartet numbers nicely sung, the cast performs their songs with full gusto of expression and movement.
In the spirit of the season, the quintet and the local chorus of singers perform "White Christmas" as the finale.
Smooth transitions maintain the momentum of the show. Upbeat numbers like "I Could Have Danced All Night" segue into operatic numbers like "Some Enchanted Evening."
Kudos to pianist and narrator Neil Berg, a musician who obviously loves his work and enjoys bantering with the crowd. A casual and humorous Berg and his talented drummer, bass player and keyboardist elevate the entire show.
Oakwood resident Ken Neufeld, the new president and CEO of the VTA, made his debut opening night speech to the near-capacity Victoria crowd.
Although the VTA has devoted much time and energy to the promotion of the upcoming production of "Wicked" at the Schuster Center. the VTA staff can take a bow. They have kept their focus on their ticket holders by scheduling a top-notch entertainment value to start the season.
For ticket information on the show sponsored by Miami Valley and Good Samaritan hospitals, call 228-3630.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
"Broadway Holiday" slated at Victoria
Show tunes take center stage at the Victoria Theatre when "Broadway Holiday" opens a two-week run on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
This show is the kickoff of the Miami Valley and Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series. Five more future shows are also on the 2009-10 slate.
The upcoming two-act production featuring five Broadway stars is being presented by the Victoria Theatre Association and Leftfield Productions Inc.
Songs in the show include hit tunes from old chestnuts like "South Pacific" and "Guys and Dolls" to hit tunes from new shows like "Chicago" and "Jersey Boys."
And, of course, there will be a bevy of Yuletide songs as well in "Broadway Holiday."
The quintet of Broadway stars includes Norm Lewis, Marc Kudisch, Rita Harvey, Carter Calvert and Danny Zolli.
As a bonus, the show will include the singing talents of a half dozen local singers who auditioned for choral roles. More than 30 local people auditioned in November for the opportunity to sing with the Equity players in the show. The "locals" selected include Jackie Schneider, a University of Dayton student, Heather Liston of Cedarville, Caitlin Erker and Chadz Woods of Dayton, Allison Shipp and Andrea Thomas of Cincinnati and Tina Manses of Girard, Ohio.
The local talent will share the stage for a number of show tunes such as "White Christmas."
"Broadway Holiday" will be presented in a concert setting featuring state-of-the-art lighting and scenic design by John Rensel and Patrick Keough of Dayton.
The show is slated Dec. 8-20 at 8 p.m. throughout the run and 2 p.m. on both weekends. For more information, call 228-3630.
Incidentally, audiences are invited to attend a free Chase Background on Broadway pre-show talk on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Victoria Theatre Reception Room. Neil Berg, a composer and lyricist who created "Broadway Holiday," is slated to be the guest speaker.
This show is the kickoff of the Miami Valley and Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series. Five more future shows are also on the 2009-10 slate.
The upcoming two-act production featuring five Broadway stars is being presented by the Victoria Theatre Association and Leftfield Productions Inc.
Songs in the show include hit tunes from old chestnuts like "South Pacific" and "Guys and Dolls" to hit tunes from new shows like "Chicago" and "Jersey Boys."
And, of course, there will be a bevy of Yuletide songs as well in "Broadway Holiday."
The quintet of Broadway stars includes Norm Lewis, Marc Kudisch, Rita Harvey, Carter Calvert and Danny Zolli.
As a bonus, the show will include the singing talents of a half dozen local singers who auditioned for choral roles. More than 30 local people auditioned in November for the opportunity to sing with the Equity players in the show. The "locals" selected include Jackie Schneider, a University of Dayton student, Heather Liston of Cedarville, Caitlin Erker and Chadz Woods of Dayton, Allison Shipp and Andrea Thomas of Cincinnati and Tina Manses of Girard, Ohio.
The local talent will share the stage for a number of show tunes such as "White Christmas."
"Broadway Holiday" will be presented in a concert setting featuring state-of-the-art lighting and scenic design by John Rensel and Patrick Keough of Dayton.
The show is slated Dec. 8-20 at 8 p.m. throughout the run and 2 p.m. on both weekends. For more information, call 228-3630.
Incidentally, audiences are invited to attend a free Chase Background on Broadway pre-show talk on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Victoria Theatre Reception Room. Neil Berg, a composer and lyricist who created "Broadway Holiday," is slated to be the guest speaker.
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