Christmas Revels, The

Revelers expecting a repeat of last year's Medieval Solstice-themed show were in for a surprise -- the program for 2001 was still rooted in Anglo-Celtic heritage, but the setting this time was a pub in Ireland finding itself playing host to a band of Welsh wayfarers. The entertainments engendered by this meeting likewise reflected major improvements over the ingenuousness of the Revel's debut in 2000. The Straw Boys Mummers swapped patter with professional confidence, while National Champion step-dancers Kate and Annie Arends (joined by Kiva O'Reilly) far outstripped the amateur-league Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers in a "dueling feet" number. 

Lending presence to director Sarah Gabel's smoothly-paced program were the exquisite vocals of Christine Thomas as the pilgrim leader and the oratorical splendor of Raoul Johnson as the resident patriarch. Most intriguing, however, is producer John Mills' announcement that each annual Revel will feature a different framing scenario. In 2002, we might have an Early-American Revel, say, or a Wild West Revel. Only 361 days left until the next Christmas Revel, and we can hardly wait!