BWW Reviews: American Music Theatre Brightens the Holidays with the 2014 CHRISTMAS SHOW: JOY TO THE WORLD

American Music Theatre opens the holiday season with the 2014 CHRISTMAS SHOW: JOY TO THE WORLD. This show definitely will brighten the spirits of everyone during the holiday season. What I love about this show every year is that they have something for everyone. The show has traditional holiday carols such as "O Holy Night," classic songs such as "Carol of the Bells," and contemporary songs such as "Believe." There are moments in this show that will bring out the kid in all of us, remind us of the spirit of the holidays and emphasize the importance of family. Every year American Music Theatre produces a holiday show, and this year's production will instill the audience with a sense of holiday spirit and joy.

This year the Christmas Show at American Music Theatre, under the direction of Andrea McCormick, takes the audience on a journey to a magical Christmas town filled with family, friends and water color memories of years gone by. As soon as the show begins members of the audience experience a town full of holiday cheer. The set for this show is amazing, as well as the effects, costumes and everything that went into creating this winter wonderland experience. The 2014 CHRISTMAS SHOW: JOY TO THE WORLD is a show that is sure to bring you the spirit of the holidays as it is brimming full of holiday cheer.

The nature of the shows at American Music Theatre is that they are productions that celebrate the music of the holidays. The first act is reminiscent of a small New England town during the holidays where families and friends gather to celebrate Christmas. Songs such as "There is No Christmas like a Home Christmas" and "Let it Snow" are performed in this part of the show. Act two begins with a highly animated story about Santa and his elves that will bring out the child in all of us. The last scene leads into more traditional songs such as "O Holy Night" and "Joy to the World." Everything in this production transitions smoothly, and is an entertaining experience for the young, old and anyone in between.

American Music Theatre has definitely created a magical Christmas town in their show this year. Through excellent performances by the cast: Michael J. Austin, Holly Becker, Kristen Brewer, Missy Clayton, Wess Cooke, Jordan Cyphert, Randy Jeter, Julie Keough, Michelle Rajotte, Eric Rivas, Marissa Rivera, Connor Schwantes, Sarah Timm and Ric Zimmerman, they create a sentimental picture of the holidays. The opening scene with the song "Spirit of the Seasons" has beautiful choreography and the dancers in this number open up the show with energy and grace. A few other standout numbers numbers from the show are: "The Christmas Song," "All I want for Christmas is You," "What Christmas Means to Me" and "Let it Snow." The costumes in the entire show are gorgeous and colorful. In addition, the lighting in the show, designed by Sean Williams, helps set the holiday spirit. The lighting effects in "Carol of the Bells" are magnificent. I also need to mention the live orchestra onstage under the direction of Andy Roberts, the orchestrations were energetic and jubilant and they play an integral role in the show and are featured in a number of songs. If you need to get in the holiday spirit, this show is for you.

THE 2014 CHRISTMAS SHOW: JOY TO THE WORLD is at American Music Theatre through December 30, 2014. For more information and tickets visit their website at www.amtshows.com or call their box office at (717) 397-7700.

Photos courtesy of American Music Theatre

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