Home for the Holidays
December 18, 2005
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Home for the Holidays
Reviewed by Irene Latham
It was truly a Christmas gift to the Greater Lynchburg area that the Academy of Fine Arts presented a tasteful, delightful Christmas show, using local talents.
Put together by a team of creative production entrepreneurs, the biggest applause has to go to Marcia Jones Thom, a formidable young lady, whose vision for the shows brought a freshness and new appeal to the established Christmas music standards. Because the various directors were so competent, the local talents blended together in a smooth flow.
Everyone onstage seemed so at ease as though it were all a big party in their own living rooms. The decor of the stage, put together by Jim Wirt of Designers Choice, established that warm, cozy feel.
The big number of this show was the "Cantique de Noel" (O Holy Night) as sung by Marcia Jones Thom. The years of expertise in national opera and concert companies, were apparent in her rendition of this seasonal favorite.
The roster of participant performers includes the following:
- The FACination Chorus
- The Jefferson Choral Society
- The Singing Angaels and Nightingaels of Holy Cross Regional School
- Soloists from Opera on the James
- The Eggleston Ballroom Dance Team
- Jeff Wittman "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus"
Included was a brief musical vignette on Hanukah, a bow to the Jewish faith by Nora Moore, whose radiant expressiveness on stage seemed to spell out joy.
Throughout the show, two excellent pianists, Troy Mearkle and Rose Overby supported all the singing groups as did the string ensemble, MusicaBella and guitarist, Mike Havens.
A final bow goes to the sponsors, those generous persons and groups whose support made all the music and dance of this heart-warming production possible.
Also, a bow to the unseen workers: the backstage personnel, the members of the Academy staff, the coaches who worked with the children, and the choral directors. All of these made the success of this holiday event possible.
Photographs by Jill Markwood
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