The overwhelming scent of assorted perfumes and folks in their Sunday best filled the St. Lawrence for Good Theater's annual production of "Broadway at Good Theater." The sold-out crowd proved lively for a matinee. Two-plus hours of Christmas carols and show tunes were received with tear-filled eyes, whistles, robust applause, and the occasional whooping and hollering.
Director Brian Allen's introduction and interjections were as entertaining as the songs — so much so we hope he considers extending his humor to a stand-up gig at the Comedy Connection.
The chiseled Broadway draw, Sean Palmer, who played Prince Eric in the Great White Way's production of The Little Mermaid, was supported by a solid ensemble of 10 local and out-of-town special guests. Every vocalist in the cast was strong in their own right and impeccably matched to the song selections.
The juxtaposition of song choice and variations of voice were so intentional that the builds and falls were undeniable. In reference to USM School of Music teacher David Goulet's soulful tenor version of "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," a neighboring audience member claimed, "Only he could sing that song." The Phoenix's own Deirdre Fulton broke the ice with a playful rendition of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" that enticed Allen out of his seat to join her for a dance interlude. Particularly riveting were Ragtime's "Make Them Hear You" sung by Kelly Caufield and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by Marva Pittman, back to back.
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New England Music News
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