Review: Red Mountain Theatre's HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Is Just That

With all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I had decided that I was done with reviews until after the New Year. Too much to do, too little time. And then someone suggested I go see Red Mountain Theatre Company's HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR.

I knew from my research for the holiday preview article that the HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR was a showcase for the kids of the RMTC Conservatory. But I try to be a trooper, so I made reservations. It wasn't easy. Some days were sold out, other days had a few single tickets scattered about. Since everyone around me was "too busy" I bought one of those singles and headed out.

Thank goodness I did! I actually thought about just writing "WOW!" and calling it a day.

Around 60 of the most talented young people you will ever find fill the stage with dance and the theatre with song. From traditional Christmas songs, to pop favorites both old and new, country classics to original music written just for this production, every aspect of the holidays and every genre of music is presented. Ranging in age from 8-18, the majority of the young folks are much older and more talented than what I expected.

Davis Haines, Amy Johnson and Brandon A. McCall are the RMTC regulars who anchor the show. All three are phenomenal performers and have stand out moments throughout the show. When they sang together, especially during "Ring the Bells" I hoped for a cast album so I could take their sound home with me.

Amy Johnson had moving performances with her renditions of "One Good Thing" and "O Holy Night." She shows her versatility when she dons cowboy boots and joins the cast in singing a medley including "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Home for the Holidays" and "Sweet Home Alabama".

Davis Haines has stand out moments with "Suddenly, It's Christmas" and a rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" that is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard, with an unusual beat and a gorgeous blending of voices. The dynamics of this version are superior. Later on, Haines is funny as Santa and brought me to tears at the beginning of the final medley.

Brandon A. McCall is also exceptional, especially when singing "This Is My Wish." He is funny in "Santa Stole My Lady", but he steals the show during the "12 Pains of Christmas". I think at one point during the show, when McCall hit the high notes, some of us in my section actually cheered. (But I am admitting to nothing myself!)

The entire show moves quickly and lingers just long enough in the most memorable places. It is an interesting blend of every Christmas song you could want and lots of non-traditional songs turned new Christmas classics. Motown's "Up on the Roof" is so surprising for Santa and yet so perfect, I wondered why it wasn't on every Christmas album.

I could go on and on- each song is better than the last and the group numbers, with around 60 people moving seamlessly around that small stage, are amazing. It made me want to applaud the massive job done by the choreographer, then I saw that there are seven listed.

With original songs and arrangements by Jay Tumminello, musical direction by Katie Holmes and directed by Keith Cromwell, this SPECTACULAR is a must-see, if you can get a ticket. Go quickly to redmountaintheatre.org for dates, times and ticket information.

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