The title, “We Need a Little Christmas,” aptly conveys the sentiments of participants and audience for a scripted musical formed like a not-intimate cabaret concert. The “need” is amply met by a quartet of singers (including a narrator) and a spectacular technical crew that creates a true spectacle of light and sound. A live orchestra off to one side of the specially constructed Terrace Stage of Asolo Rep seems to urge every musical number happening across the center.
A usually sequined Michael McGee introduces well most of the musical numbers and stars as well known songstresses Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, and—in two “Happy” songs—with Liza’s mother Judy Garland. Yes, McGee’s in drag most of the time, and his famous exaggerated style particularly suits the little remembered but cute “Ding-a-Ling.” (I must confess that, just as black people dislike white minstrels, as a feminist woman I dislike men in drag, who inevitably deride some woman or type of woman.)
Peter Amster, going back to a period before his long success as a director (his usual Asolo role), acts and sings nicely the seasonal hits “White Christmas” and “No Place Like Home for the Holidays.” A comic bit has him posing as a Scot. I wonder how many people connect that with the fact that Sarasota was originally settled by Scots (who didn’t stay long, though) and that the Mertz mainstage of the present Asolo Rep came from Dunfermline, Scotland.
Newcomer to Asolo, Eileen Lymus brings beauty and presence to her contributions, especially “All Purpose Carol” that spans all the holidays. Insertion of the island tune of “Day-o” in her singing “In Excelsis Deo” is clever as can be. Eileen Lymus’ expressive voice certainly is as expressive as Mariah Carey’s in “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Another Asolo find, Jenny Kim-Godfrey displays a lovely soprano and—with “O Holy Night!”—a serene spirituality. She blends with the others on such group tunes as “Pick-a-Little” done as a parody.
Sarasota favorite Ann Morrison scores with her “Santa Baby” solo and with McGee on “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again.” An early interpreter of Sondheim on Broadway, Ann appropriately sings his “I’m Still Here.” It reminds us of the artists who, in fact, are still here at Asolo Rep to make us happy witness to their talents. The major power-producer of We Need a Little Christmas is the crew, especially realizing the lighting designs with projections of everything from Santa driving across the roof of Asolo Rep to tall lit candles in back of the singing-actors. And much enjoyment on a very cold night (for Sarasota) comes from the warmth of the spotlighted orchestra producing the instrumental music.
