Quality Hill "Christmas in Song" review by LindsayAdams

Christmas in Song is the show to see this season.
Rating: 4

Christmas in Song
Quality Hill Playhouse

Christmas in Song is a very intimate experience. The theatre is cozy and thanks to the set and the warmth of J. Kent Barnhart feels almost as if you are in a living room. The theme for the show this year is wonder and light, which is shown through their choice in songs, including "Bright Star", "Christmas Star" and "Light a Candle".

J. Kent Barnhart was the pianist and emcee of the show. He would introduce the songs and usually tell an amusing anecdote. He shared stories from his own childhood at Christmas. After his introduction they would perform a set of songs.

He was affable and self-depreciating. His style was reminiscent of an old fashioned classic cabaret emcee. His maestro skills are the piano shone as well as his lively narration as his performance of a ragtime arrangement of "Jingle Bells" brought down the house. He was joined by three lovely ladies who assisted him with vocals.

Molly Hammer brought her sultry country infused soul stirring tones into every solo. Her rendition of "My Grown Up Christmas List" was alternately heartbreaking and beautiful. LaTeesha McDonald Jackson's vocals were beautiful, unfortunately often the words weren't understandable. Her best song was a very earnest musical rendition of Psalm 27.

Lindsey McKee had a commanding soprano voice and stirring vibrato that served her well on such classic songs as "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night". What she lacked in physical emoting at times, she more than made up for in her emotion laden vocals. She proved that she was more than just another gorgeous soprano voice, showing of her comedic chops with an absolutely hysterical rendition on "Lime Jello Marshmellow Cottage Cheese Surprise".

One of the strongest parts of the revue was during the last segment of the show. All four performers sat around the piano, as Barnhart played a plaintive chords and he regaled the audience with tidbits from his childhood as well as sharing stories about the performers.

The transitions between the songs worked well, and while the revue showcased a wide variety of different styles, genres, and times, the differences were never jarring. There truly is something in the revue for everyone, young or old, whether you have more traditional or more modern taste.