FLASH FRIDAY: A Jolly Holiday Celebration

By: Pat Cerasaro Dec. 20, 2013

The Great White Way is beginning to light up red and green and the massive sign of seasonal merriment represented by the several-story-tall tree in Rockefeller Center further cements the celebration with a brilliant blaze of light in New York City, signaling the season on Broadway and beyond - Christmastime is here again! Yes, indeed! Taking from the vast theatrical canon, today we are looking at some of the most memorable musical theatre moments pertaining to the holiday season with some of Broadway's brightest stars and some of the season's best selections, both old and new.

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For a selection of all the best events this holiday season, check out the Winter Guide 2013, available here. Plus, for a round-up of all the must-have theatre-related items on your holiday shopping list, don't miss the SOUND OFF 2013 Holiday Gift Guide, available here.
Just In Time For Christmas
With all the Christmas albums available from Broadway performers and countless musicals containing Christmas elements, it would be impossible to contain them all within one clip collection, so these are some especially applicable, appreciable and timely treats as well as some well-worn gems worth re-visiting at least once a year, if not much, much more.
First up, one of the best openers conceivably imaginable - Liza Minnelli and Alan Cumming perform Frank Loesser's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from the must-own charity album CAROLS FOR A CURE: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Spotlighting NBC's smash hit live presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Carrie Underwood and Audra McDonald enact the lovely "My Favorite Things".

A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL performs on the Tony Awards!
The cast of JERSEY BOYS treats us to a merry holiday medley.
Jennifer Love Hewitt performs "A Place Called Home" from the star-studded A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL.
Albert Finney and company are featured in a lovable scene from 1970's SCROOGE: THE MUSICAL.
Get a glimpse of the 2008 Broadway production of Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS, featuring the title song staple.
Sample the salty and dynamic "Christmas Bells" from RENT.
Peruse the current revival of ANNIE with "A New Deal For Christmas".
Stage and screen superstar Angela Lansbury leads "We Need A Little Christmas" from Jerry Herman's MAME.
The company of Billy Elliot: THE MUSICAL perform the spirited Elton John/Lee Hall ditty "Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher".
For a unique obscurity, view this footage from an animated adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL set to the score for Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET.

Barbra Streisand lends her remarkable instrument to a specially-penned edition of "I Remember", also by Stephen Sondheim.
One of the finest movie musical moments ever filmed, Judy Garland's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.
Check out Judy Garland's entire 1963 Christmas special, too. What a classic! Wow!
Matthew Morrison sings "This Christmas" from his sensational new A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS EP live on THE TALK.
Take a look at "Here Comes Santa Claus" from this year's "Previously Unaired Christmas" episode of GLEE.
Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway unite for an electrifying "O Holy Night". Also, be sure to pick up Liz's new MERRY & BRIGHT for a thrilling new holiday duet!
Sierra Boggess and Lindsay Mendez team up for a stirring medley of "The First Noel" and "Still, Still, Still" at a live NEW YORK CITY CHRISTMAS ASTEP charity performance.

Michael Crawford joins with Elaine Paige, Frances Ruffelle, Colm Wilkinson and a host of other West End stars for a delectable SAVE THE CHILDREN Christmas special in 1988.
Lastly, cabaret legend Nancy Lamott treats us all to "Just In Time For Christmas" live on GOOD MORNING AMERICA in 1994.

As a special bonus, enjoy popular Broadway headliner Jonathan Groff leading "Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People" in current Disney animated movie musical hit FROZEN. An instant new holiday classic!

So, what is your absolute favorite Broadway-related holiday song? What performance of a traditional tune by one of Broadway's best is most delectable of all to you? Furthermore, what is your favorite song or moment now part of the holiday tradition that originated in a musical? 'Tis the season for celebrating the biggest, best and brightest.

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!

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