Broadway theatre owners have long rented out their venues for short term attractions between major bookings.  These can be for special holiday shows (like the Illusionists show I reviewed on November 29).  Last year there was an absolutely terrible Broadway show (Home for the Holidays) that featured “YouTube Personalities” and I reviewed on November 22, 2017.

At least the two stars of this long titled show can sing.  That is because they were the winner and runner-up of Season Two of American Idol some fifteen years ago.  I did not watch that season (or any season) of that show.  But this is how we find our singing stars now-a-days and the audience around me was abuzz about their memories of the stars, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.  And this show was actually palatable as long as you liked those holiday singing TV shows of decades past.  The first half is overstuffed with every possible carol you can think of.  The second act turns introspective, personal and religious but keeps it moving.  There is plenty of humor, a terrific supporting cast and middle school stage pageant scenery.  It was actually fun, so if you want a little Christmas while you are visiting New York City between now and the end of the year – worth searching out at the Imperial Theater (and likely at the TKTS booth).  Give it a shot.

As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes

PS: if you are looking for a continuation of the Merritt Parkway Bridges tour it will continue this Friday.  Come back and check it out!