On Sunday December 4 Irish tenor Dennis McNeil presented The Christmas Show at The Lounge of The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach to an enthusiastic sellout crowd. This marked his 44th appearance in this venue, so he must be doing something right. He has a multitude of fans who keep coming back five or six times a year. A former opera singer, McNeil has sung for Presidents and in concert venues, including stadiums, around the world. He can adapt himself to any venue, and of course, in a room of this size that accommodates 100, he gets the chance to be up close, warm and personal and like most Irishmen, tell stories, some funny and a few... deliciously off-color. Throughout the 90-minute set, McNeil held his audience spellbound with his magnificent vocal range, a slew of Christmas songs - both pop and religious - and candid observations about the commercialism of Christmas. He was accompanied by skilled musical director Ed Martel, with whom he has had a long and fruitful association.
Like Bing Crosby, Perry Como, or Andy Williams, McNeil is laid back and relaxed, so anything goes, literally. He dropped a couple of phrases from "We Need a Little Christmas" at the top, and in spite of having the music in front of him on a music stand, he messed up the words to a couple of other songs as well, but that's OK. Streisand has her cheat sheets and screws up too. Anything can happen in a live show, and often does. It makes for a fun, spontaneous evening. McNeil, dressed in a red tie, red scarf and Santa hat, shook a tambourine for jingle bell effect and played delightfully with the audience, even doing a mini raffle and giving out Christmas candy and CDs. One naughty story depicted a man awaiting entry at the pearly gates. Expecting to pull out money from his pants pocket to give to Saint Peter, he unexpectedly pulled out a pair of panties instead. Saint Peter queried, "And what are these?" The man replied, "They're Carol's". May sound a bit sick, but you had to be there to appreciate the moment.
Song highlights of the evening included stunning renditions of "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "Let It Snow", "White Christmas","The Christmas Song","Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland", "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Mele Kalikimaka", Bette Midler's favorite Hawaiian tune, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas". There were two gorgeous holy anthems "Venite Adoremus" and "O Holy Night" which brought the house down. Andrea Bocelli, eat your heart out! McNeil's back in town and can really soar with those high notes. There was a terrific sing.a.long medley of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town", "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer", "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night" sung in English, Spanish and German. Another treat was Willie Nelson's old hit from 1962 "Pretty Paper". Yes, there were a bevy of holiday tunes, and what an astounding variety!
Dennis McNeil is a delightful person whose voice commands your attention. At his show, you feel like you have been invited into his living room for an intimate visit. Entertainment doesn't get any better than that. I'll be back, probably for the Saint Patrick's show in March.
A word or two about the food and service at The Lounge. The food was delicious. My friend and I shared a Chinese chicken salad, some short rib sliders, and for the main course I had a filet mignon and he, a ribeye steak. They were both cooked to tender, juicy perfection. There were homemade potato chips served with the sliders, and the desserts... to die for. I had a fried apple tart with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel; my friend had milk and cookies. Everything is made on the premesis with only the finest ingredients. And the service? Our waiter Trevor was friendly and very quick and efficient. One of the finest cabaret venues I have attended!
(photo credit: Stan Mazin)