By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The Christmas Showcase performed by the Arrowhead Vocal Academy at the Tudor House was very entertaining and a marvelous show. Both nights were sold out for good reason, as the singing was spectacular and the songs well chosen for the season.
The show began with the cast of the Heisler Theater’s production of A Christmas Carol reciting the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The cast was in their old English costumes from A Christmas Carol, which set the mood for an evening of entertainment with a true Christmas attitude.
The opening song included everyone in the musical show singing “Sleighride,” led by Rachel Murray, with a little solo for each evening’s performer. The music for the evening was either a recorded track or provided by T.J. Roger on piano.
Bethany Evans, Zamira Pla and Amber Toscano sang “What Child is This?” (Photo by Rhea-Frances Tetley)
Diandra Griego sang “The Man with the Bag” while dancing across the stage and tossing out gifts to the audience, followed by 10-year-old Miya Michelle capturing everyone’s heart with “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” The show continued with Jacklyn Maclaren singing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Marcel Machler’s “Oh Tannenbaum” in three languages. Little Amelia Jones belted out “Winter Wonderland.”
Then a totally different twist was performed on the song “Santa Baby” by Mark Lujan Trujillo, then Bethany Evans sang “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and Zamira Pla sang “Last Christmas.” Next, “Merry Christmas Darling” was sung by Renges Fabris. A beautiful duet by Jason and Amber Toscano of “Christmas with You” was followed by the hilarious “Pass Me One More Christmas Beer” by Chrystal Lynn. The first half of the show wrapped up with “Wrapped in Red” by Rachel Murray.
The songs, the costumes and singing were all top notch, making for an enjoyable entry into the Christmas season. This show followed a dinner offered by Buddy’s BBQ and hot chocolate and cookies from the Tudor House were served to everyone.
After intermission, the songs got more religious in tone with Dana Merola opening the second half with “O Holy Night,” followed by a trio – Bethany Evans, Zamira Pla and Amber Toscano – in choir robes singing “What Child is This?” Next was “Come to the Altar” by Constance Hope and Emily Heisler. Zamira Pla returned with “Precious Lord,” while Rachel Murray did a rousing version of “Hallelujah” and telling the story of David. A creative duet and dance by Mark Lujan Trujillo and Renges Fabris of “Edelweiss” was very imaginative and enjoyable to watch. Bethany Evans sang “The Christmas Song,” followed by “Noel” by Murray. Then, Sean Devine did his rendition of “Sharing Christmas.”
Ten-year-old Miya Michelle sang “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” (Photo by Rhea-Frances Tetley)
The entire ensemble returned to the stage for a concluding song from the show A Charlie Brown Christmas featuring “Christmas Time is Here,” again with all performers taking a solo in the song.
Murray, though her Vocal Academy, has trained these singers how to interpret a song and communicate with the audience. She acted as MC for the evening and announced there will be several more shows by these singers and others in the new year, including a Broadway review and other themed shows. Those who want to perform in her shows should contact her or see the Facebook page. Murray gives private voice lessons year-round. For more information, email her at rachelmurray1111@gmail.com.
Some of these singers will be performing again at the Tudor House on New Year’s Eve with Rachel Murray and her band, Rachel in the Weeds, from 8 p.m. to past midnight, as they watch the ball drop every hour across the nation, celebrating with champagne, hors d’oeuves and special surprise guests. The band will consist of Adam Hurlbut, Mark Segal, Alan Helfman and John Stinzel. For tickets go to TudorHouseEntertainment.com.
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