Sometimes all you need to ease the pressure a bit is a good laugh. Or a happy song. You’ll find lots of both in this happy creation. Just as there’s something to please everyone, there’s just as likely to be something to offend anyone; it’s sort of an equal opportunity example of good spirits run amok.
Composer/playwright/lyricist Linda Eisenstein and Michael Sepesy (who wrote the book and shared the lyrical duties) have created—from scratch—a fast-paced, high energy look at the madness that surrounds this time of the year. There are comic sketches of varying lengths (some hardly more than blackouts) and delightful songs that you’ll find yourself humming for the next few days after you’ve indulged in this feast.
Six of the best singing actors Cleveland has to offer bring you Mandatory Merriment-a fast-stepping polka; Give a Little Christmas-(and you won’t have to think of the poor until next year); Don’t You Just Love Christmas-(but wouldn’t you really rather be in Rio?); and The Bicycle Opera, readily recognized by anyone (especially a single Mom) who’s ever tried to assemble one of the darned things on Christmas Eve. And of course, the title song Holiday Hotline with ringing telephone accompaniment. And more, of course. Lots more.
Faster than you can say “On Dasher, on Dancer”, etc., Kim Aldrich-Ceja, Denise Astorino, Mark Cipra, MaryAnn Elder, Hester Lewellen and Andrew Narten with the more than able assistance of music director Michael Flohr bring you music and silliness and merriment and joy and laughs. Lots of laughs. They each have their own solo turn in the spotlight as well as being part of the very busy ensemble. They are, collectively, marvelous.
The set (by Sepesy) is colorful although minimal, but it works, having several doors (and an aisle) for speedy entrances and exits. Props by Sharon Epstein are moved around easily and quickly. The fabulous costumes—by Maryann Elder and Alison Garrigan—make it all work, turning all the actors into quick-change artists. Director Mindy Childress keeps everyone on their toes with the fast-paced action. Lighting is by Trad Burns.
Holiday Hotline runs through December 23, at the Orthodox, part of the Detroit Avenue Arts complex originated by James Levin, who produced—and made possible—this wonderful gift to Cleveland. Tickets may be ordered by calling (216) 491-1709. There’s a web-site: http://www.holiday-hotline.com and after December 15, there will be an original cast recording available on CD for $15. It’s the perfect answer to the age-old question: What do you give the person who already has everything?
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz ArtsWriteratAdelphia.net (:divend:)