What have I been up to lately? Why, getting in the Christmas spirit, of course. And here are some thoughts on what I’ve been seeing — that maybe will help you get in the holiday mood.
‘ALL IS CALM’: The bad news is you missed the free performances of this beautifully sung, real-life story of how Christmas stopped a war — at least for one night. Opera Orlando offered the free showings this past weekend at Orlando Family Stage. But the good news is there are still opportunities to see this moving piece of musical theater — and it’s worth paying for a ticket, I promise.
I was recently and very graciously hosted by the William P. Duval Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for a preview of this year’s Opera Orlando production. I have seen the entire show before and it’s an incredibly powerful story of how on Christmas Eve 1914, the soldiers came out of their trenches in northern Europe and laid down their weapons in honor of the holiday.
‘All is Calm’: Christmas docu-musical of hope and peace is back
The singers were in fine form at my preview, and just as moving as the a cappella music are the words they read — taken from the letters and writings of the war’s actual combatants. Take a moment with this show to really reflect on the meaning of “Peace on earth.”
Catch “All Is Calm” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Pargh Event Center at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando ($25-$29) or at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden, presented by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation ($69, with $79 and $99 VIP experiences). More info: operaorlando.org (click under tickets).
Opera Orlando previewed its production of “All is Calm” for members of the William P. Duval Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Winter Park Racquet Club on Dec. 9. (Matthew J. Palm/Orlando Sentinel)
‘THE NAT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’: More bad news. You missed this one, too. Orlando Shakes hosted Nat Zegree for an energetic and fun-filled journey through the history of Christmas carols and more. Zegree’s passion for the subject of music history is matched only by his prowess on the keys. (Gosh, I would like to hear him on an actual piano and not an electric keyboard next time!)
His enthusiasm is infectious and his charm undeniable. But the fact he has the knowledge and skill to back it all up makes any Zegree concert a treat.
Favorite moments included his use the “Carol of the Bells” to illustrate the difference between major and minor keys, a rip-roaring tribute to the music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and his own Christmas composition, which made for a moving encore.
More bad news: His New Year’s Eve shows at the Dr. Phillips Center are both sold out (as I warned you weeks ago would happen). But he’ll be back, he promised his Orlando Shakes audience.
He’s king of the keys: Orlando can’t get enough of Nat Zegree
“Can you imagine this season without the music?” Zegree asked at the top of his show. And after hearing him play, it’s even more unthinkable.
‘A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’: Speaking of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” what are the holidays without seeing old friends? And isn’t that just what the Peanuts gang feels like? Orlando Family Stage’s revival of last year’s big hit, still has the same wonderful vibe of the TV classic — celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Pictures: Orlando Family Stage marks A Charlie Brown Christmas 60th anniversary
Many of the actors from last year are back, including Blake Rushing Mitchell, who I found even more endearing this year as the put-upon title character who just wants to know what Christmas is all about.
Will Sippel shifts from playing Linus in 2024 to Snoopy this year with comic ease. If you remember, Lucy (Addison Ward, again in fine crabby form) approves of Snoopy’s animal imitations — “Yes, he’s even a good penguin.” At my performance, I was lucky enough to have Snoopy imitate me: Pursed lips, fixed gaze, jotting pretend notes on a pretend pad. “Yes, he’s even a good theater critic.”
And take note of the details throughout the production, directed by Jeffrey Revels this year. When Kevin Josué, as Schroeder, mimes playing the toy piano, it’s impressive how clearly he has listened to the recorded score. Bonus points for his hairstyle, which incorporates his TV counterpart’s yellow locks.
Good grief! In Orlando, it’s ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Day’
Catch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St., through Dec. 28. Tickets are $23 and up at orlandofamilystage.com.
‘THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW’: The Renaissance Theatre is on the move, and its annual adults-only production of a very interactive office party is now at 54 W. Church St. in the former Fringe ArtSpace/Mad Cow Theatre space.
It’s a good space for this show, with the venue’s large lobby allowing lots of opportunity to mingle with the now familiar cast of characters: The lovesick co-worker, the perky gal, the awkward cubicle mate, the near-blind human-resources manager. This year, there’s also a visitor from corporate headquarters (Be on your best behavior!)
The Renaissance Theatre Company has relocated its annual “Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show” to the theater space at 55 W. Church St. (Courtesy Jose Rivera via Renaissance Theatre Co.)
As you might expect from the Ren, this pushes envelopes — one scene between Santa and a young admirer needs work to avoid pushing things too far — but on the whole, the show remains a hoot and a half, as well as one of the best interactive theatrical experiences going. Half the fun is mingling with the characters.
As it settles into the new space, the Ren might build a little more chitchat into the show to allow patrons time to move from room to room without missing the start of the next big musical number — because you really want to be part of all this irreverent fun.
Catch “Office Holiday Party” through Dec. 22, and note that new this year are Sunday matinees. Tickets are $37, or for $52 add on the after-party, which includes “The Holiday Drag Extravaganza Show.” Go to rentheatre.com for details.
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter.
Overzealous Christian Finn (Blake Aburn) doesn’t seem impressed by a Hanukkah-themed performance by Sheila (Leigh Green) in the Renaissance Theatre Company production of “The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show.” (Courtesy Jose Rivera via Renaissance Theatre Co.)
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