RSS 2.0 FeedDecember 2, 2009, Featured Articles, Theatre
My heart finds Christmas
"This show is about light," says director J. Kent Barnhart. "And about Christmas, about all of the different meanings it has for each one of us."
"This show is about light," says director J. Kent Barnhart. "And about Christmas, about all of the different meanings it has for each one of us." Last Monday evening at Quality Hill Playhouse, four talented performers presented "Christmas in Song". The cast had just finished a rousing chorus of "Let There Be Light" and Barnhart was preparing the audience for the next few numbers. Some were traditional carols, some were obscure, but all were unique and performed beautifully.
Barnhart himself played the piano (very enthusiastically), and sang along with Cary Mock, Elaine Fox and Amy Coady. He also provided short breaks between the songs to tell a story, or crack a joke. More often than not, he would let us know what songs were coming up, and maybe a story or some background on the pieces. It reminded me very much of a choral concert, with a wisecracking conductor. For example, he quipped, "A lot of people say it isn't really Christmas until they come to this show. I guess for this audience, it isn't really Thanksgiving."
Elaine Fox has a beautiful classical voice, which is no wonder since she has performed in operatic roles all over the country. Her duet with Amy Coady on the "Silent Night/O Holy Night" combination was stunning. I heard a gentleman behind me whisper, "That was beautiful," as the number was ending. Her second act song, "God Bless My Family" was tremendously powerful; there was hardly a dry eye in the house.
Cary Mock is a newcomer to Quality Hill, but well known on the KC Theatre scene. He was a good addition to this show. In the first act, he performed a rousing piano duet of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" with Barnhart, proving that he is also a quite a good piano player. In act two, he showcased his voice with "A Place Called Home" from "A Christmas Carol".
Amy Coady, returning from New York for the Christmas season, completes the quartet. Listening to her provided this reviewer with some gratifying moments. For instance, her second act solo, "The Bells of St. Paul," was lovely. I also enjoyed her jazzy duet with Barnhart on "A Cradle in Bethlehem/When the River Meets the Sea".
The Quality Hill Playhouse's newly renovated space is cozy. The set designed by Atif Rome, was simple and elegant. A Christmas wreath, a few garlands around windowed flats and a grand piano center stage. It felt homey without overwhelming the viewer with too many decorations. The costumes were functional, but I would have liked the first act formal wear to be a bit more cohesive. The second act sweaters were suitable, and looked very well together on stage.
Lighting provided transitions between the songs, and I really appreciated the varied lighting and blocking, which made each moment different. There were a few lights that seemed brighter. For example, Barnhart's was brighter than Coady's in "When the River Meets the Sea". There were also a few strange shadows, especially on tall Cary Mock at the end of the show. But all in all the mood lighting complimented the songs well.
Before the last number, Barnhart encouraged the audience to keep Christmas in their hearts all year round, just as Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol" teaches. "Do something in June," he jokes. Then he becomes serious again. "Some of the best theatre moments I've had, have been ones where I leave wanting to be a better person." He hopes that "Christmas in Song" inspires audiences in just the same way.
REVIEW
Quality Hill Playhouse
Christmas in Song
Runs November 19- December 27, 2009 (Reviewed November 23)
303 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-421-1700 or online www.qualityhillplayhouse.com
Top photo: Classic Christmas carols, contemporary favorites and songs from the musical version of A Christmas Carol with Elaine Fox and J. Kent Barnhart.
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