Review: Elaine Paige Dazzles in A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS at Lisner

Christmas came early this year for Washingtonian theatregoers and it came in the form of Elaine Paige. Yes, the First Lady of Musical Theatre dazzled audiences in A Broadway Christmas. Joined by the suave Matt Doyle and the superb American Pops Orchestra, the concert was a musical feast of holiday and Broadway standards.

America Pops Orchestra conductor Luke Frazier served as the host of the evening and instantly got the audience into a holiday mood with the overture "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," joined onstage by the National Broadway Chorus. Next, they transitioned into a festive "Baby It's Cold Outside."

Paige then took the stage delivering a moving rendition of "Silent Night" during which she showed off the vocal prowess that has made her a musical theatre superstar. She then engaged the audience with a playful "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" where she showed off her wittier side by asking, "Have you made your list yet?"

Next up was Doyle, whose vocal style and confidence conveyed the essence of a young crooner. He was charming with "I'll Be Home For Christmas" in Act I, and warm and inviting with Act II's "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)." Doyle may be a Broadway baby, having performed in shows such as The Book of Mormon and War Horse, however A Broadway Christmas demonstrated potential for a stellar solo career for him as well.

Making the concert extra special was the American Pops Orchestra giving the evening a full and lush sound. At no point was this more apparent than in the evening's piece de resistance - Paige's performance of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and "With One Look." The latter of which brought the crowd to their feet with the Orchestra exceeding all expectations.

Completing the cast was Julia Goodwin, a high school junior who won Michael Feinstein's 2013 Great American Songbook High School Vocal Competition. Goodwin's voice can best be described as breathy. While Goodwin triumphed with "All I Want For Christmas Is You," her professional inexperience showed in comparison to Paige and Doyle. She struggled navigating the double entendres of "Santa Baby" and lacked the energy needed for Mame's "We Need A Little Christmas" to succeed.

Though the weather outside may not be particularly frightful, and while it's hard to believe 2015 is almost over, A Broadway Christmas was truly a special treat. Featuring a mix of Broadway and holiday classics, backed by a terrific orchestra and with spectacular talent, this was one theatrical Christmas present I treasured.

Runtime was one hour and 20 minutes with one intermission.

American Pops Orchestra A Broadway Christmas performed for one night only on December 16th at GW's Lisner Auditorium. For more information and a schedule of upcoming performances, please click here.

Photo: Elaine Paige. Credit: Justin Downing

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