Milwaukee audiences who have been wishing for a glimpse of Skylight Music Theater performers will be pleased to learn that a Skylight-sponsored holiday-themed showcase is on view virtually through January 10, 2020. Skylight Sings: A Holiday Special from Our Home at the Cabot Theater has a stocking-full of musical gifts for the whole family, ranging from traditional seasonal music to Broadway show tunes, pop adaptations and, of course, a smattering of comedy. The show features more than 20 artists and performers and is directed/narrated by Michael Unger, who is also the Skylight’s artistic director. Unger presides over a nicely paced showcase that is also interspersed by the actors/singers sharing some of their favorite holiday memories.
Well-known Skylight favorites, as well as those who are poised to make their Skylight debut in an upcoming 2021 performance of Little Shop of Horrors, all join in the fun. (Little Shop was to be produced in 2020 but then postponed its run due to pandemic concerns.)
Set designer Simone Tegge has done a masterful job of creating simple but effective sets, including one that’s reminiscent of presidential “fireside chats.” The abundance of decorated Christmas trees, comfortable leather chairs, and a mantel decorated with a menorah in addition to Christmas stockings creates a perfect setting within the confines of the Cabot Theater, one of the city’s most beautiful venues. All of the songs are performed onstage, accompanied by a piano, string bass and drums. Music director David Bonofiglio blends the talented musicians with the singers. There is one exception: a musical number honoring the tradition of Kwanzaa is performed by a strategically spaced choir, standing among the rows of theater seats.
It’s almost unfair to mention individual performances in this musical revue, as each one adds so much to the show’s overall enjoyment. An early number by Andrew Varela is a definite highlight, with his trained tenor voice ringing out from the stage. He offers a “Simple Song,” from Leonard Bernstein’s Mass.
A personal favorite is the quiet, reflective “Hard Candy Christmas,” (performed by Samantha Sostarich) from the Broadway show, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas . Sostarich’s glittering green dress is also the best outfit among the holiday-themed attire worn by the cast.
Not to be outdone in the wardrobe department, Kaylee Annable channels her inner child in a sassy tune, “The Pretty Little Dolly.” As Annable goes through her number, her “little girl” goes from innocently addressing Santa to actually threatening him in her quest for a prized Christmas gift. Annable wears an adorable, Christmas tree-themed dress, complete with ornaments and strung with rows of popcorn.
On a more traditional note, Ben Tajnai sends chills down one’s spine with “O Holy Night.” Later in the show, there’s Rana Roman’s “Noel,” and Shawn Holmes’ fine rendition of Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song.”
Singers Ashley Oviedo and Kevin James Sievert combine voices in a harmonious “Love is an Open Door” from the popular Frozen. While that may be of more interest to little girl viewers than boys, Ryan Cappleman remedies that omission with a spectacular “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” from the musical, White Christmas. Showing off his best Danny Kaye footwork, Capplemen moves easily from tap dancing to waltzing to the tango. His dance partner is none other than his pup Dolly, who seems fairly game at being whirled around the stage. Several costume changes (for both Cappleman and Dolly) keep the festive mood going throughout this spirited number.
When narrator Michael Unger finally wraps up this musical package with a sincere wish about welcoming back audiences to live theater, one senses that sentiment is shared by each performer who participates in Skylight Sings.
