Evidently,
the “War on Christmas” is now in full effect, since this show opts for “Holiday” in its title, the word some Fox News wackos love to hate. While the alt-right fumes at this choice, the
rest of us who prefer acknowledging the existence of multiple religions can sit
back and enjoy some festive song frolics.
The
idea of a Holiday Jazz Revue is great, and this two-hour show at Karamu House
delivers well, especially when the emphasis in on jazz interpretations of
favorite Christmas songs, some of which have been made famous by Ella
Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and others. Working with just a three-person band,
the show fairly glows when jazzy interpretations of faves, such as “Jingle
Bells,” fill the air.
However,
the voices in this eight-person company
(Sean Dubois Day, Eric Floyd, Joshua McElroy, Molly McFadden,
Mary-Francis Renee Miller, Rebecca Morris, Miguel Osborne, Clarissa Walker)
tend to work better when singing as a group, since there are some vocal flaws
with most of the soloists.
Conceived
by Tony F. Sias, Nicole Sumlin (who doubles as music director) and Nathan A.
Lilly (who doubles as musical stager), the highlights include a nice basso profundo
take on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Osborne, a lovely “Lo, How a Rose
‘Ere Blooming” by Miller, and McFaddden’s “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” The
gentlemen also do a respectable job with an acapella turn on the 17th
Century Catalan carol “Fum, Fum, Fum.” And as mentioned, the choral pieces are
just fine.
But
if Karamu decides to do this Revue in the future, they might want to consider
drafting some stronger solo voices and rethinking a couple of the staging
decisions. In particular, turning “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” into a glancing
sexual harassment situation tarnishes the naughty-but-nice attitude of that
song. And if you’re going to do a
reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” it might be advisable do more with it
than a bland, traditional reading from a book. (Think of the John Malkovich classic
on SNL. Or, you know, think of something).
In
any case, the performers are warm and welcoming, and it’s the holidays! So chug
another spiked eggnog and have a blast!
Holiday
Jazz Revuew
Through
Dec. 23 at Karamu House, 2355 East 89 St., 216-795-7070, karamuhouse.org.
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