I've talked to several people who went to yesterday's Fresno Philharmonic holiday annual concert who say it was the best one in years.
Though I can't claim to have attended these concerts annually -- I have a diagnosed clinical aversion to hearing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" more than once every 1,000 days -- I'd say that in my scattered experience, I agree. Bringing in three top-notch singers with extensive Broadway experience was a good call, and conductor Theodore Kuchar struck just the right balance between cheery-silly and serious musicianship.The show was smooth, jolly and well-paced. Some (mostly) highlights:
- Kudos to the Fresno Philharmonic volunteers, who roamed the lobby and spread good cheer. At right, here's a photo of the Phil's official greeter, Larry, who told me he loves his job, especially this time of year.
- Longtime Broadway veterans Debbie Gravitte, Doug LaBrecque and Anne Runolfsson often perform together, and you could tell. Their relaxed banter and command of the stage gave the proceedings a satisfying, comfy feel.
- My favorite moment from Kuchar: when the trio wrapped garland around him and put a Santa hat on him while he conducted "We Need a Little Christmas."
- Best chemistry: LaBrecque and Gravitte sharing a tender moment in "The Best Christmas of All," a Jerry Herman tune from the TV movie "Mrs. Santa Claus."
- Most Overblown: OK, so was "Oh Holy Night," and it was the first act finale, and there were what seemed like three dozen key changes, so you'd expect a brassy blowout. But there was no room for the sound to build, leaving us at the end with pretty much "1812 Overture" cannon-blasting territory. Earplugs, anyone?
- Best variation on a standard carol: LaBrecque's "operatic" version of "Let It Snow," which he sang to great comic effect.
- Best set: I liked the "Broadway Gift" interlude when each singer performed a non-holiday song. Gravitte blew the roof off with "Memory" from "Cats."
- Best audience interaction: Gravitte's "Santa Baby" involved her heading down to the first few rows and singing to men who looked vaguely like Santa, which was pretty easy considering the typical demographic of a Philharmonic audience.
- Strangest moment: Everyone knows that these kinds of shows are programmed in advance, including the encores. After a rousing gospel-tinged rendition of "Children Go Where I Send Thee," LaBrecque announced that the encore would be a song from "RENT." (It was "Seasons of Love.") Some people started laughing, and LaBrecque seemed genuinely surprised. So was I. Did people laugh because people associate that musical with heartbreak? Maybe so. Whatever the reason, one poor lady trying to slip out to the parking lot before everyone else got caught in the spotlight when Gravitte called out to her, "Don't leave, I have a really good part in it!" LaBrecque then cracked that the "Sacramento Bee" would certainly be writing about that. And he was right! (Wrong paper, but close enough.)
On a more serious note, Kuchar stepped off the podium at the beginning of the second act and offered a somber assement of the orchestra's finances. There's concern about where the Philharmonic mighth be in six month's time and as it plans for the next season, he said. "The Fresno Philharmonic is no more or less immune from the financial realities of the world than anyone else ... I would ask you to please think sensitive thoughts."
Something tells me we might be hearing more about this in the future. For the time being, however, the nearly full house at Sunday's concert was at least a cheery sign.
Loved, loved, loved the BRAVO! Holidays concert!
My husband has been singing "Santa, Baby" ever since.