The Riverwalk Holiday Cabaret features a fun mix of pop songs, in the “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” vein — but adds some more unusual tunes from musicals such as Elf, the Musical, Anastasia. I particularly enjoyed Travis Williams’ rendition of You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, and Laura Croff’s comic vindictive Surabaya Santa from Songs for New World, and Maggie Smith’s Santa Baby, where she charms the entire male cast of Santas.
Meghan Eldred Woolsey has assembled an all star cast of singer/actors (Laura Croff, Brian Farnham, Larissa Gleason-Clark, Kelley Lofton, Ben Holzhausen, Bob Purosky, Racheal Raymer, Maggie Smith, Travis Williams, & Adam Woolsey) with the high-kicking dancers of The Karyn’s Dance Place Company (Sarah Albrecht, Olivia Carpenter, Kendall Craddock, Rachael Dec, Kennedy Kirsch, Nora Laukkanen, Natali Mann, Harper Massey, Chloe Mayes, Frankie Nevin, Kyra Pohl, & Jennifer Tran) with award-winning choreographer Karen Perry and music director, leader of The John Dale Trio - John Dale Smith keyboard, Jerry Krause electric bass and Tim Thelen drums. (Their preshow instrumental music is one of the many reasons to arrive early.)
I say singer/actors, because all these folks have not only great voices, but also the stage presence to “sell” their songs, with artful staging by Director Meghan. The flashy dance numbers are a treat and a change of pace from the soloists. Kudos to choreographer, Karyn Perry. We felt a little Busby Berkeley flair going on in their varied numbers.
This is a holiday show that will entertain the whole family. (I would not bring younger kids, but older ones will be entertained. The whole experience is only about an hour and half including intermission. Intermission concessions include a variety of Christmas cookies plus juice, coffee and hot cocoa. (I recommend added the cocoa mix to the coffee.)
Make reservations at https://www.riverwalktheatre.com/box-office.html
or call 517-482-5700. Tickets will also be available at the door while they last.
General seating, so get there early for best parking and best seats.
7pm Saturday
3pm Sunday
$15 for all ages.