Yuletide Celebration company – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
On Friday at the opening night performance of AES Indiana “Yuletide Celebration,” presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, affable host Ben Crawford posed a question to the audience during his introductory comments. Commenting that the last time he hosted “Yuletide” was in 2014 and delighted he was invited back, he nevertheless posed a question. “What took them so long?” he inquired. Later, during the ISO’s 37th presentation of what is now an Indiana holiday tradition, ISO Principal Pops conductor Jack Everly replied to Crawford’s tongue in cheek question when he said, “The reason we did not ask Ben was because he was performing in the title role of Broadway’s “Phantom of Opera,” for five years.” Crawford was the last to star on a regular basis in the longest running show in Broadway history before the show closed in April. Previous to his Phantom stint, Crawford also appeared on Broadway in “Les Misérables and Shrek.”
L-R Moipei, Ben Crawford & Yuletide company – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
Not only did tenor extraordinaire Crawford show off his Broadway pedigree during his larger than life “Yuletide” performance, but he also distinguished himself as an ideal host due to his exquisite vocals, comic flair, dramatic skill and commanding stage presence. Adding to the first-rate quality of the cast was Moipei, consisting of triplets Mary, Maggy and Marta, U.S. residents from Nairobi, Kenya. Also contributing to the luster of the company was ISO Acting Associate Principal Second Violin Sherry Hong, tap dancer Madsion Hilligoss, Cyr Wheel performer Nick Hodge, aerialist Tracey Benson and members of Expressenz Dance Center. The additional twenty-eight singer-actor-dancers in the nimble ensemble also excelled individually and collectively in performances that were energetic and filled with vitality. Acquitting themselves well were local performers I have seen perform numerous times. They include., Ian Black, Tiffany Gilliam, Michael Humphrey, Danny Kingston, Amy Owens, Joseph Perkins Jr and Katie Scarlett Swaney. Under the tutelage of long time “Yuletide” stage director and choreographer Jennifer Ladner and the vocal direction of Greg Sanders, the entire cast shined brightly.
Sherry Hong – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
Highlights during Act 1 of the opulent variety show included dynamic ISO Second Violin Sherry Hong in an electrifying solo performance of a medley of “Let it Go” from “Frozen” and “Winter” from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons, and Crawford singing “Mary Did You Know”. Favorite moments in Act 2 consisted of “The Enchanted Toy Shop” featuring Crawford, Moipei, Hilligoss, Hodge, Benson, Expresenzz and the company, Mopei in “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “We Three Kings” with the Yuletide company and ISO and a breathtaking rendition of “The Prayer” with Moipei and Crawford.
Also included in the concert were crowd favorites that “Yuletide” audiences have come to expect and are delighted with each year. They were “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” with the tap dancing Santas and “The First Noel,” which closed the show.
As I have stated so often in previous reviews of “Yuletide,” the production values of this ISO annual spectacle, executed by brilliant executive producer Ty Johnson, rival those of shows I have seen on Broadway and even those presented by the venerable Metropolitan Opera, renowned for its lavish productions. And for those who have yet to experience the previously cited examples, they can enjoy comparable excellence in our own backyard.
Nick Hodge – Courtesy of Tom Russo. Used with permission.
I refer specifically to the ISO itself which continues to raise the bar as far as the sound quality, technical ability and sheer musicality of its vibrant musicians, under Everly’s magnetic coaxing. Friday night they excelled in playing selections in the program that included many beloved holiday favorites and Christmas carols.
Then there were the astonishing, beautifully crafted costumes designed by Clare Henkel who tops herself every year with her creation of some of the most opulent costumes I have seen on any stage. The scenic design of Derek McClain and Gregory Hills, that included stunning backdrops, contributed to the show’s visual splendor as did Stuart Duke’s often ethereal lighting design. Deserving of special praise are Alan Alford and Matt Kraus whose sound design was truly impeccable and nearly flawless. Not to be overlooked is the show’s head writer Aaron Fuksa, whose jaunty script dialogue, particularly for Crawford, was effective and on point.
Always an added “Yuletide” attraction is the excitement and anticipation in the air prior to the performance and the laughter and squeals of joy that emanate the from the crowd and specifically, the numerous children who are usually present along with their loving families.
Of all the “Yuletide” shows I have seen over its 37-year history, I have reviewed most of them and I proclaim without hesitation that this edition is one of the ISO’s most entertaining, if not its most inspiring.
For tickets and information about AES Indiana “Yuletide Celebration” visit indianapolissymphony.org.
