A 'Tradition' worth keeping
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years AGO
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | December 21, 2012 8:00 PM
COEUR d'ALENE - When one of the best scenes in a musical is the one with no singing, you might think, "This musical must not be any good."
You would be wrong.
That just shows how brilliant, how hilarious, this particular scene involving monks performing "Hallelujah Chorus" happens to be. It also means this: You must see "Traditions of Christmas: A Musical Spectacular" at the Kroc Center.
Because it is spectacular.
It zips from one scene to the next, each outstanding in song, in music, in dance.
There is no lead to highlight. No one character who commands the stage. From the Gingerbread Dancers to the Elves, from the kick-line dancers to the Toy Soldiers, from the Sugar Plum Fairies to Santa Claus, Traditions of Christmas simply kills it.
This truly is "a musical journey of all the greatest Christmas songs and traditions from around the world" that you need to go on.
If you don't want to applaud and cheer after each scene, if you don't think, "Hey, Christmas rocks!" after seeing the 90-minute production, well, you must be spending too much time with Mr. Heat Miser.
The show, in its first year in Coeur d'Alene, was brought to here by Laura Little, of Laura L. Little Theatrical Productions, and directed by J. Scott Lapp.
It was, Little said, a bucket list item to produce Traditions of Christmas here. Be glad she did.
She and Lapp put together a first-rate cast of dancers and singers and actors, who make the show run seamlessly from scene to scene. Starting with "Christmas Around the World," then onto "The Pageant of Santas," then to "Christmas at the North Pole," the show lets you breathe and enjoy, but never slows to the point you're waiting for something better or left wondering when a scene will end.
You might expect the second half to ease off the pace, perhaps not be quite and lively, as entertaining. That would also be wrong. It was just as good, if not better.
A few scenes deserve mention.
The gals playing Toy Solders and performing to "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," were sharp, smooth and snappy. The routine was precise. The closing, with each falling backward in slow motion, was picture perfect.
The Ensemble and Kick-line dancers teamed up on "Winter Wonderland" and nailed it. It was energetic and precise as they frolicked and pranced to "Jingle Bells," "Sleigh Ride" and Christmas Tap Medley.
Pride and patriotism filled the Kroc Center auditorium during the "USO Christmas Show," followed by a Salute to the Military.
The Percussion Stomp performing "Jingle Bells" will blow your brain. Who would have thought such magical music could come from pots, pans and barrels?
The Living Nativity scene is simple and beautiful and the ideal ending to the show, delivering a clear message of what Christmas is all about, with strong, powerful vocals - and even a donkey and sheep.
Back to those monks and their vow of silence.
They don't sing. They don't speak. They don't dance. They don't smile.
But they will make you laugh with their words.
You've got to see it for yourself.
Oh, and watch for that air guitar.
Halleulujah.
Bill Buley is city editor of The Press. He can be reached at [email protected], or 664-8176, ext. 2016.
If you go
"Traditions of Christmas" is at the Kroc Center. Tonight's show is sold out. There are shows 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22; 3 p.m. Dec. 23; 7 p.m. Dec. 28; and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 29. Individual prices: $32, adult; $26, senior 62-plus; $15 for 12 and under. Group rates, 10-20 people, $25 adults/senior; 21 or more, $20. Info: www.traditionsofchristmasnw.com or (208) 391-2867 or at New York Bagels Cafe and Deli, 226 Ironwood Drive, Coeur d'Alene
ARTICLES BY BILL BULEY
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