” A Jolly Holiday” reviewed by Amy Menzel

[rating=5]When I heard the Skylight Music Theatre was bringing Disney’s Broadway hits to the stage for A Jolly Holiday, I knew I had to bring one of the biggest Disney fans I know to the show. My 14-year-old nephew was the winner of a night out with one of his favorite aunts. So, dear reader, you’re the winner of a review with two perspectives.

In short, we both loved the show. We were excited from the moment we stepped into the Cabot Theatre and saw the stage set for a cozy holiday party. I immediately thought the scene looked a little like the holiday living room set in Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Turns out, a 14-year-old with a smartphone is a pretty decent and quick fact checker and it only kinda looks like the scene from the iconic Walt Disney World attraction. Still, it was beautiful, warm, and welcoming.

As soon as the cast took the stage, it was clear we were invited to the party. There’s no fourth wall in this show; the players openly acknowledge and welcome the audience to clap along and enjoy – and we did. There’s also a keen sense of self-awareness in this production, which may very well work to engage audience members who may not be the Disney fanatics we are.

The two of us were excited to check out the musical acts in the Playbill, especially after we spent part of the drive to the Third Ward predicting/wishing for certain ones to be included. The show features songs from 13 productions and includes many of our favorites, such as “Hakuna Matata” and “Under the Sea.” We both adored these numbers in the first act and my nephew also noted that he enjoyed “A Change in Me” from Beauty and the Beast “because of the percussion” (shoutout to Michael ‘Ding’ Lorenz) and “Zero to Hero” from Hercules “because they kinda reenact scenes from the movie” (shoutout to choreographer Tara Jeanne Vallee). We agreed that the numbers from Newsies were great, even though my nephew, somehow, has never seen the movie. (He soon will now!) I especially appreciate “Carrying the Banner” and “King of New York” in this section because it allowed the young company* to shine. And shine they did.

The fun continued in the second act with high energy and some incredible performances. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (Mary Poppins) was a favorite, as was “Friend Like Me” (Aladdin), and “Love is an Open Door” (Frozen). It was Kevin James Sievert’s rendition of “Out There” (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) however, that, rightfully, earned extended applause and awe from the audience. Folks who fondly remember Sievert’s Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at Skylight last year will also appreciate seeing a glimpse of his playful performance of “In Summer” (Frozen).

It’s a jolly holiday indeed! It’s also a lively and lovely way to celebrate with friends and family.

A Jolly Holiday runs now through December 31 at the Skylight Music Theatre.

Highly Recommend ★★★★★
(Both reviewer and junior reviewer highly recommend.)

The show runs 2 hours including a 20-minute intermission.
Showtimes vary with many matinee times available. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org. Contact the Box Office at 414-291-7800.

NO Christmas Eve or Christmas Day performance    No Thanksgiving performance..

* Opening night featured the young company Holiday Cast. There’s also a young company Jolly Cast. If you’re looking/in need of an excuse to see the show a second time, getting to see another cast of talented young performers might be the ticket.

Milwaukee is a fairly easy trip with the highway system and parking is simple. Lots of great dining spots in the area as well.