The Fireside, one of the most amazingly successful regional dinner theaters in the country, produces a handful of musicals and dramas each year. Although each attracts a sizeable audience, no production sells more tickets than the annual edition of A Fireside Christmas . (That's why performances begin in mid-October.) This is the 13th annual edition of a show that warms the hearts of literally thousands of viewers each year. To paraphrase some well-known lyrics, the show is a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n' roll, and a whole lotta holiday cheer. Audiences have come to expect a sleigh-full of holiday delights at The Fireside's holiday show, and the company of singers and dancers truly deliver.
But first, visitors encounter the Christmas-themed decorations in The Fireside's extensive dining room. Then there's the wide array of unique Christmas items in its many boutiques. Those are merely a prelude to the show itself. The production reminds one of old TV shows, such as "The Andy Williams Christmas Special" and "The Lawrence Welk Show." A smattering of humorous poems and comedy routines break up the song-and-dance numbers. Although a couple of the production numbers are old favorites ("Let It Snow!" and "Let There Be Peace on Earth"), others offer a more contemporary take on the holiday season. Sometimes, things go a bit too far (such as a take-off on TV's "The X-Files"). But sometimes it's just audacious enough to get a few laughs, such as the genuinely funny tribute to Dolly Parton ("A Holly Polly Medley"). A handful of female singers appear dressed as variations on the "Dolly" theme, all of which include a massive hairdo of platinum curls and a bosom out to you-know-where. For those with more refined tastes, the modern dance tribute to "Carol of the Bells" certainly will satisfy.
The show is "hosted" by an unlikely duo: a woman and an 11-year-old girl. The older of the two, Janna Cardia, shines in a nice comedy routine (she attempts to persuade the audience that Santa is really a "she," not a "he"). She also has a strong, clear voice. The adorable 11-year-old, Sydney Kirkegaard, is an especially poised performer who seems completely at home onstage. She can do it all: belt out a song, dance a soft shoe routine, and charm the audience. The Fireside singers and dancers are a nice blend of veteran Fireside performers and new faces. There are a few youngsters in the cast, as well. They are uniformly well-behaved and cute to watch (especially in their roly-poly Santa outfits).
Since The Fireside is a Christian-based, family-owned company, the show closes with a touching number dedicated to Christ's birth. All in all, A Fireside Christmas is perfect fare for inspiring the holiday spirit - if that's what it takes.
