Joy to the World
Conceived by Fred Anzevino & Jeremy Ramey
Directed by Fred Anzevino
Music direction by Jeremy Ramey
Produced by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
At No Exit Cafe, Chicago
Wonderful harmonies and touching solos warm the holiday spirit
Fred Anzevino and Jeremy Ramey have created a fine Christmas revue that is just the right thing for Saturday and Sunday matinee lovers who get-stressed by shopping. All they have to do is get to the No Exit Cafe in Rogers Park to hear four delightful singers and a fabulous piano and bass produce classic holiday tunes. Yes, Amanda Hartley and Michael Reyes together with Justin Adair and Amanda Horvath wonderfully sing the tunes to terrific jazz infused swing arrangements of our favorite Christmas songs.
After a strong instrumental “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” by Jeremy Ramey on piano and Zachary Moore on bass, the foursome delivers a multi-styled version of “Jingle Bells” that features blues, swing, jazz and hip-hop just to get us into a holiday mood. We hear the couples (Hartley & Reyes) sing “The Christmas Waltz” and the foursome lands “Let It Snow” while Horvath & Adair remind us that “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Horvath sings tenderly “Chestnuts Roasting” and Adair get emotional in “I’ll Be Home For Christmas. ” Reyes asks “What Are You Doing New Years Eve?”
This little revue is sung terrifically with outstanding piano and bass music. With no amplification and silky smooth singing by four articulate performers, you’ll hear and feel the holiday spirit while being impressed at the craft of the talents. This little show reminds me of those friendly holiday shows form yesterday on TV like Perry Como and Andy Williams that brightened past holidays. Joy to the World is a treat that surly will bring joy to your world. Come hear two terrific musicians and four fine singers soar with nice harmonies and moving solos. They aim to please.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2012
For more info checkout the Joy to the World page at theatreinchicago.com
At No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood, Chicago, IL, www.theo-u.com, tickets $25, Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm, running time is 60 minutes without intermission, through December 23, 2012