Review: A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS SHOW at Musical Theater Heritage

Christmas shows breed automatic superlatives. "The Spectacular Christmas Show" now at Musical Theater Heritage deserves the accolades. The "Spectacular" continues through December 23 - on the main MTH stage of Level III at Crown Center. Director Tim Scott has created something special.

Too often, holiday presentations feature familiar renditions of Christmas favorites. All the standard Christmas tunes are performed here, but with twists and turns and arrangements that allow the performers to make the material their own and surprise the audience.

Director Tim Scott is blessed with an unusually deep and diverse talent pool in Kansas City. Many of the twelve selected performers are college educated in their field. Seven are members of Actor's Equity Association. Several more have appeared on the "Great White Way."

Musical Director Jeremy Watson is an outstanding talent. He never fails to assemble just the right combination of musicians needed to back up MTH productions. He succeeds again here. Sometimes he even stumbles out from behind the grand piano and joins in the vocalizing.

Kenny Personett is choreographer to the "Spectacular Christmas Show." Together with Director Scott, They spin the disparate pieces-parts together into a remarkable holiday stew. Consistent performances at this high level with all the cylinders clicking in this way is welcome and too seldom achieved.

Each performer has been asked to prepare a personal holiday remembrance and to share that memory with the audience. From an outsider's viewpoint, Scott seems to concern himself with finding an outstanding cast, empowering great collaborators, and creating interesting stage pictures, before he gets out of the way and lets the talent carry the load.

MTH has found the secret sauce for a holiday show. All the featured performers are strong. All are experienced lead vocalists. All seem to enjoy their time as members of the ensemble supporting their cast mates. This cast has yet to find an arrangement that is too difficult for them to perform successfully. All the actors have demonstrated an ability to master the significant volume of Kenny Personett choreography in every number.

In addition to the favorites, some not so familiar holiday music make an appearance in the program. Hear music from shows like "White Christmas," "A Year With Frog and Toad," "Pajama Game," "Mame," "She Loves Me," Godspell," "Children of Eden," and others.

If you are searching for a fun, upbeat, and unusual holiday experience, you won't do better than the "Spectacular Christmas Show" at Musical Theater Heritage. This show works.

Tickets for "A Spectacular Christmas Show" are available on the new MTH website at www.musicaltheaterheritage.com or by telephone at 816-221-6987.

Photos courtesy of Musical Theater Heritage