A Broadway Diva Christmas

Fun though Christmas carols are, they get old quickly, and really, how many times can we hear Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" and Burl Ives' "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" without getting sick of them? Just look at the dull eyes of the weary shoppers struggling with their many bags: no joy, no exhilaration, just the exhaustion of keeping up with the season.

But fear not, O Besieged Consumers, for I bring you tidings of great joy! There is some respite from the drudgery of the Holidays, some true warmth to be found in the midst of all the schmaltz. In a small theatre on West 55th Street, five of Broadway's biggest divas are giving new life to the stagnant songs of the season. Forget Radio City and their canned music. A Broadway Diva Christmas needs no fancy sets, no leggy dancers, no appearance by Santa, no Manger scene with live animals. There is no a weak story to "connect" the songs, nor gimmicks or kitsch. There are only nine great singers doing what they do best, and capturing the very best of the Holiday spirit.

Ellen Greene seems to be poised to pick up Carol Channing's comic mantle with her simultaneously daffy and emotional renditions of the classics. Her take on "Santa Baby" is adorable, while her intense rendition of "Silent Night" is breathtaking in its beauty. (She even performed a verse in the original German.) Christine Pedi owns every moment she is onstage, and reminds us all of why she is one of the greatest treasures shared by both the Broadway and Cabaret communities. Every number she performs brings down the house: from a Fosse-esque take on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (you have to see it to believe it) to an impression-full "Twelve Days Of Christmas" (you really have to see it to believe it). By contrast, Ms. Pedi's rendition of Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings" and Cy Coleman's "Christmas Lullaby" are gentle and heartwarming, letting us enjoy not only her skills as a comedienne and impressionist, but as a singer and actress as well.

Marla Schaffel has the unenviable task of often following Ms. Pedi's showstoppers, and rises admirably to the challenge, performing with grace and a flawless voice. Her rendition of the legendary South Park song "The Lonely Jew on Christmas" is wonderfully deadpan, her "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is beautifully poignant, and her "Man With The Bag" is wonderfully sassy. Kathy Brier, late of Hairspray, rocks out on the more modern, upbeat numbers, such as Mariah Carey's nouveau-standard "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Please Come Home for Christmas." Her energy is infectious, and utterly charming. Maya Days takes the more serious and religious ballads like "O Holy Night" and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and knocks down walls with her impressive belting and intensity.

Kate Pazakis, Sally Schwab, and N'Kenge (Tedi Marsh was out the night I attended) sing backup and occasional solos as the "Jingle Babes" (did no one suggest "Jingle Belles"?), evoking the Andrews Sisters with their tight harmonies. Brian Nash's excellent musical direction keeps the energy up, and, as pianist, he even manages to provide clever underscoring for Ms. Pedi's improvisational impressions.

For a fun, relaxing, and refreshingly mature take on the season, a theatre fan can hardly do better than A Broadway Diva Christmas to get right into the holiday mood.

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