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If you don’t have the time, money or inclination to travel to New York for Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular this year, you can see a close approximation in Fairfax. You may not find live camels and sheep on stage, but you will find everything else – dazzling costumes, a Christmas wonderland set, Santa Claus and high-kicking Rockette-style dancers.
I have to be honest and tell you that after a frustrating day of Christmas shopping, and not knowing what to expect Saturday night, I felt ambivalent driving to Ernst Theatre in Annandale for Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s “Rudy and the Candy Cane Stocking.” But I’d said I’d be there to possibly write a review, so I went.
“Rudy” was gaining momentum in its fourth scene when I said to myself, “Wait a minute. This reminds me of the Christmas show at Radio City ... nah, can’t be ... but, yes, it does!” Slouched in my seat, I found myself straightening to an upright position. By the end of 2 ½ hours, my holiday spirit was restored.
Don’t let the title deter you, lest you think this is an amateurish production for little kids. The plot is essentially inconsequential – and frankly, rather corny – serving, like it does at Radio City, as a vehicle to tie together a string of song-and-dance numbers, each seemingly more elaborate and pleasing than the one before.
The costumes are terrific, with every detail correct, right down to wigs and tights. My favorite were the short white-fur-trimmed, red velvet dresses with matching white fur hats – they just tease “1950s Broadway.”
The choreography – including tap and chorus line numbers – is creative, with spot-on precision dancing by a stage full of performers. As for the music, woven in with holiday favorites are numbers “borrowed,” and adapted, from popular Broadway shows like “Wicked,” “The Fantasticks” and “Guys and Dolls.” (I was thrilled to get a second chance this season to hear a rendition of “Adelaide’s Lament.”)
This is serious theater, folks. Though almost all the performers are students – the oldest are high-school age – they have devoted themselves to the discipline of musical theater. A list of recent alums includes many who have gone on to perform in summer stock and touring companies, on cruise ships and at theme parks, and yes, even with the Rockettes.
The only adult in the show, Dan Delafield, who plays Frost, has appeared in off-Broadway productions and television dramas. With his mesmerizing, authoritative voice, he brought to mind Robert Preston from “The Music Man.” However, unlike Professor Harold Hill who sought to save River City, Frost aims to sell the city of Holiday Hill down the river.
The lighting, by Advanced Lighting & Sound, is professional, with one dance number in black light showing off some pretty snazzy footwork. The staging hits a high note when yards of floating red and green fabric are fashioned into a stunning Christmas tree.
“Rudy and the Candy Cane Stocking” continues with six more performances: Friday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1, 4 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 (sold out) and 4 p.m. To order tickets ($15-$18), visit www.encore-tap.org/tickets.htm .*****
Ever get tired of the same worn-out carols (especially when local radio stations start playing them 24/7 in mid-November)? Then you’ll want to catch The Reston Chorale’s fresh take on the season when it sings with the Fairfax Symphony at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts this coming Sunday afternoon.
When it performed its annual holiday concert at the Reston Community Center the evening of Dec. 1, the chorale offered a preview of the numbers it will sing at Sunday’s Holiday Pops Concert. If you’re still reading because you’re secretly hoping for more Broadway tunes, you’re in luck. The chorale, in “Christmas on Broadway,” presents seven holiday-themed show stoppers.
My very favorite piece – although I never would’ve guessed from the convoluted title – was “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas.” It was hilarious and fun, with each of the 12 days sung in the style of a different time and place, from 6th-century Roman chanting to a 19th-century Sousa march, and everything in between – complete with props.
For those who long to hear traditional favorites, they are here, often mixed up in medley formats that delight the soul and satisfy the yearning for the familiar and beloved. One such number is “Angels Sing Glory,” an energetic blending of choruses by Vivaldi and Handel with traditional carols from Germany and England.
My secret source tells me Frederick Wygal, artistic director, expects a lot from his 114 singers and works them hard. But his interactions with the audience, especially during singalong portions, were most playful.
The versatile Tordis Fahringer accompanied on piano. She was so good, the Fairfax Symphony has a tough act to follow.
Tickets to the 3 p.m. Holiday Pops Concert ($25-$55) can be purchased online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=TDC&pid=6060760
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