BWW Reviews: KELLI AND MATTHEW: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Reunites O'Hara and Morrison

They played impulsive lovers in A Light In The Piazza and comrades in a strange new world in South Pacific, but their Broadway appearances only hinted at the extraordinary chemistry Kelli O'Hara and Matthew Morrison joyfully displayed in their two-night Carnegie Hall gig, Kelli and Matthew: Home For The Holidays.

Presented by the New York Pops, under the baton of the charismatic Steven Reineke, the Broadway pair was featured in an evening of holiday festivities that included choral delights from Essential Voices, USA.

After an orchestral medley of seasonal tunes and a spirited choral rendition of "We Need A Little Christmas," the top-billed soloists entered for breezy swing arrangements of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"

The mix of Morrison's laid-back, light baritone crooning with O'Hara's elegant soprano, and the obvious affection they share, brought to mind great nightclub pairings of the past. And lest we forget their acting chops, a second half highlight had them playing Tony and Maria singing West Side Story's "Tonight."

On his own, Morrison came out with a ukulele and explained how one of his first show business jobs was singing backup for Don Ho before charming the crowd with a bit of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" leading into the Hawaiian Christmas song, "Mele Kalikimaka." His "Younger Than Springtime," minus the dramatic context, is arranged in a pleasant, easy-listening mode, just right for fireside snuggling.

O'Hara's solos played more to the concert hall setting. An exquisitely still "I Wonder as I Wander" provided breathtaking delicacy, but it was her soaring and dignified "O Holy Night," accompanied by the choir, that truly brought the house down.

Essential Voices, USA's director, Judith Clurman, took the podium for the evening's lone tribute to the Jewish Festival of Lights, Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah, featuring stirring dramatics by tenor Arlo Hill.

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