Review: CHRISTMAS INN at Westchester Broadway Theatre

Westchester Broadway Theatre opened with their Christmas Show, Christmas Inn last week to highlight the Holiday Season. Giving the audience what they wanted, Christmas Inn is an old-fashioned story with Christmas songs integrated into the storyline. By setting up a story with some inner conflict and heart touching moments, one can look forward to a feel-good musical with typical musical theatre conventions.

The show goes back and forth between present day and past history. The brother act of Bill and Buddy Brewer, played by Kilty Reidy and Jayson Elliot have a successful Christmas Act every year at an Inn. This show is the highlight of their season, but now is in jeopardy. It is up to the cast and crew to bring them back together, so the show can "go on!"

The premise is a good set up to interpolate crowd pleasing songs. Songs such as "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, " "We Need a Little Christmas", as well as poignant favorites such as "I'll be Home for Christmas" and an underrated song "Where are you Christmas" that was written for The Grinch Who Stole Christmas movie. I had forgotten how lyrical that song is and it was a treat to hear it a few times in this score.

Sarah Cline as Linda had sweet lyrical phrasing to her vocals. It was a treat to hear her renditions of some of the truly popular catalog of songs. Nick Varricchio who played

the role of Sam, had lovely chemistry with Ms. Cline and sang with beautiful tone. The rest of the cast had infectious energy and the ensemble numbers were bursting with tap dancing and kick lines, directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford.

As always with Westchester Broadway Theatre, the production values were top notch, including the multi layered set design by Steve Loftus to convey the quaint Inn where most of the action takes place. Andrew Gmoser lighting design and Ryan Edward Wise's music direction rounded up the cohesive flow to the overall production.

A real treat at the closing of the show was a sing-along with the cast, so make sure you stay all the way until the end! Christmas Inn is a treat for the whole family and will put a smile on your face for the Holiday Season.

Reservations: Call (914)-592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call 592-2225.

Luxury Boxes: Call 592-8730, for private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking.

Show Times: Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.

Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm

Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.

Ticket Prices Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers! More news at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

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