Saint Nick came early to the Granada when Theater League presented its Broadway Christmas Wonderland last Tuesday and Wednesday. An old-school holiday variety show crossed with the razzle-dazzle of a Broadway production, this evening of dance treated the audience to dance steps and Christmas jingles.
The show featured classic noels such as “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a tune made famous by cowboy singer Gene Autry in 1949. Other standouts were a gospel-tinged version of “Silent Night” and a sentimental rendition of “White Christmas.” The vocal performances were paired with spectacular dance numbers that included everything from prancing elves to high-kicking chorus girls to a tap-dancing Santa Claus.
There is something to be said for what went on behind the scenes; with countless costume and set changes and elaborate props, the production value alone was worth applauding. Theater League knows how to provide a high-quality Broadway experience — jazz hands, fake snow, and all.