Review: WINTER WONDERLAND Show Shines Brightly at American Music Theatre

With all the pomp and circumstance to that of a 1940's USO Show, the American Music Theatre's 2016 CHRISTMAS SHOW - WINTER WONDERLAND takes its audience to a world of wonderment, folly, and most of all, joy. Directed and Choreographed by Andrea McCormick, the production showcases an ensemble of talented singers and dancers, highlighted by the pure splendor of sets, designed by Andre McCormick and Michael Smith, and lighting design by Jess Moody. The combination of each element skillfully and effectively takes the audience into a theatrical snow globe world full of energy and excitement.

As we prepare for another holiday season, familiar songs will begin to ring and constantly besiege us, beginning the day after Halloween. The urgency of such will likely bring you constant and madding earworms. With the 2016 CHRISTMAS SHOW, however, familiar holiday songs take on a life of their own in every good way possible and are a welcoming sound. The vocalists are strong and emote effectively with a hint of nostalgia. Randy Jeter's solo, I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, took me right back to Bing Crosby singing WHITE CHRISTMAS from the LP on the family's stereo, with pajamas on and curlers in my hair, plastered in place by Dippity-Do.

The orchestra, under the magnificent direction of Andy Roberts, is perhaps one of the best live orchestras I have ever heard. The musicians made magic, together and as soloists. At one point, trumpet/horns players, Robby Moser and John Lemke, each held two horns and played them intermittently. The musical arrangements were in various styles from hip-hop to the blues, and from classical to disco, putting a spin on traditional song arrangements. Rightfully so, the orchestra maintained the center stage position in this production.

Telling the story of how Santa receives letters, are Noah Johnson and Piper Sobon, each playing characters of their same names. Noah realizes he's made a mistake after mailing his letter and he and Piper join forces to try and get it back before Santa reads it. Piper Sobon's performance is joy and sass personified. Her braided ponytails and glasses accent her outstanding acting abilities and she made me smile every time she arrived on stage.

There were many highlights of the show involving snowmen, penguins, and of course, a kick line of Santa's. By the middle of the second act, the tone of the production changed to a more reflective one, with songs MARY, DID YOU KNOW, AVE MARIA, and THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY. The staging and lighting for THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY was moving as the dancer executed his choreography beautifully.

If you are looking for a chance to sit back, relax and be entertained by a talented group of people; for a chance to remember quieter moments of holiday cheer, you must come see AMT'S production of their 2016 CHRISTMAS SHOW - WINTER WONDERLAND. In the words of Piper, the holidays can never be "too magical."

Performances run now through December 30, 2016. For ticket information contact AMTshows.com or 1-800-648-4102

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