Broadway Opening Night Review for Home for the Holidays Starring Danny Aiello
Home for the Holidays:
The Broadway Concert Celebration
Artistic and Musical Direction by Jonathan Tessero
Produced by Chart Breakers Live! and Michael J. Guccione
Broadway, Musical Revue
Runs through 12.30.17
August Wilson Theatre, 245 Due west 52nd Street
by Heather Violanti on xi.21.17
Danny Aiello, and Kaitlyn Bristowe in Home for the Holidays. Photo by Carol Rosegg.
Lesser LINE: An early Christmas nowadays for fans of American Idol, The Voice…and anybody who remembers the guy who played Cher'southward fiancé in Moonstruck.
First, there was a reality testify President. Now, we accept the reality evidence Christmas concert. Home for Holidays brings some reality (and YouTube) stars to Broadway, just in time to spread vacation cheer and make a quick buck earlier Mean Girls takes over the August Wilson Theatre. Lackluster production values and bizarre narration advise this concert was put together in the cheapest and fastest style possible. In other words, Home for the Holidays is less Radio Urban center Christmas Spectacular and more than low-budget 1970s diverseness show, the kind where David Bowie would duet with Bing Crosby.
It's too bad, because the performers are talented. Candice Glover, winner of season twelve of American Idol, steals the show with a silky, soulful belt. She soars through traditional carols and cheesy popular standards like "Where Are You, Christmas?" Josh Kaufman, the singer/songwriter who won flavour six of The Voice, rocks "A New York Christmas" and "All I Desire for Christmas Is You," even if his geeky phase presence clashes with his sultry vocals. Bianca Ryan, but 11 years one-time when she won the get-go America'south Got Talent twelve years ago, has grown into a confident and capable singer. Unfortunately, she is also transforming into a Mariah Carey clone, and her big vocalisation gets lost among overdone riffs. Weirdly, these talent testify winners always seem to be singing in their own private bubbles, even when sharing the stage. They rarely expect at each other and seldom speak.
Meanwhile, Peter and Evynne Hollens, singing stars on YouTube, croon with a polished, smiling amuse, like 21st-century versions of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé. Dissimilar their reality prove counterparts, they really interact with other singers. Sadly, they are often relegated to bankroll vocals.
Home for the Holidays features ii ersatz narrators, Academy Accolade-nominee Danny Aiello (billed every bit a "special appearance") and Bachelorette-veteran Kaitlyn Bristowe (billed as "host.") They're an odd pair, and they don't have much to do. Bristowe recites a few platitudes virtually Christmas music and home with brisk, Idiot box-host delivery. Aiello, who earned an Oscar nomination forExercise the Right Thing and was in Moonstruck (and Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" video),gets to reminisce about a gritty New York childhood…that might non be his. At ane betoken, he recalls the marquee of Radio City shining through the evidence in December 1945, then adds "I don't know if this actually happened."
Jonathan Tessero provides the creative and musical direction, and doubles every bit usher and pianist. While he tin can't find a common narrative thread to unite the evening, his energetic conducting imbues even the virtually syrupy songs with energy. Every band fellow member gets his or her moment in the spotlight, from the dancing horn players (Enrique Sanchez, Luke Stafford, and Adison Evans) to the percussionist (Justin Jones). Jason Kantrowitz'southward glitzy lighting design adds glamour to a prepare that'south apparently fabricated upwardly of behemothic white paper copse. As wardrobe stylist, James Brown III has choreographed an impressive series of costume changes. In true reality testify style, the women's gowns grow more than sparkly equally the evening wears on.
For those who aren't superfans of televised singing competitions, sitting through this concert might be similar eating overdone ham smothered in cheese. Not healthy, but mildly enjoyable, in its own fashion. Even so on the night I saw Dwelling for the Holidays, the audition cheered every high note and fundamental change. So I can't be a consummate Grinch and dismiss a bear witness that lets people meet their "Idols" alive on stage. I only wish this concert was better produced.
(Home for the Holidays plays at the August Wilson Theatre, 245 Due west 52nd Street, through Dec 30, 2017. The running time is 90 minutes with no break. Performances are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7; Fridays at 8; Saturdays at 2 and 8; and Sundays at 1 and 5. Additional performances on Friday, 11/24 at 2 and Wednesday, 12/27 at 2 and 7. Tickets are $59.fifty - $169.fifty (premium is too available) and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 877-250-2929 or by visiting holidaysonbroadway.com.)
Home for the Holidays The Broadway Concert Celebration. Artistic and Musical Direction past Jonathan Tessero. Lighting Blueprint past Jason Kantrowitz. Wardrobe Stylist is James Brown III. Sound Blueprint by Bruce Landon Yauger. Fashions provided by Sherri Loma, Stephen F, Nina Shoes, and Noah Waxman. Product Phase Manager is C. Randall White.
The cast is Candice Glover, Josh Kaufman, Bianca Ryan, Peter Hollens, Evynne Hollens, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and Danny Aiello.
Source: http://www.theasy.com/Reviews/2017/H/homefortheholidays.php
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