Singer Jodi Benson pumps up PSO's Holiday Pops
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After a number of years gearing its holiday concert to community artists, the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops decided to go for the brass ring. It brought in Jodi Benson, known as the voice of Disney (and particularly "The Little Mermaid's" Ariel), and smartly built the concert around her, giving Thursday night's audience at Heinz Hall a lot of bang for their seasonal entertainment buck.
The evening turned out to be a delightful musical potpourri, with Ms. Benson providing a sparkling ribbon to tie it all together. It was her voice, tinged with a touch of Julie Andrews, that was heard first in "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music," as she glided down the aisle to the stage.
Ms. Benson would prove to be a vocal chameleon, much in the vein of the versatile Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, only with, let's say, a bigger Hollywood Bowl approach. The petite singer could tap the warmth of conductor Marvin Hamlisch's "Chanukah Lights" (yes, he was in Pittsburgh for the holidays, the first time in a while), reach for the stratosphere in a powerful if over-produced arrangement of "O Holy Night" or be a cutesy pops musical stylist with Gary Mauer in "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
Mr. Mauer had the vocal chops to headline a concert on his own and was a real bonus here, beginning with "Chestnuts Pops Medley." He went on to channel the Phantom of the Opera (yes, he has played the title role) with his soaring, high ending of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Where: Heinz Hall, Downtown.
When: 2:30 and 8 p.m. today; and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $20. 412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org .
There was plenty more. Ms. Benson stepped out of the holiday box to sing "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid," which oddly had a final turn of phrase similar to "Somewhere That's Green" from "Little Shop of Horrors" (they share composer Alan Menken).
Pittsburgh police detective and Irish singer Ricky Manning, slightly nervous but an audience favorite, crooned "Danny Boy" and then an a cappella "I'll Be Home For Christmas," which he dedicated to his fellow officers.
Back in the Christmas box, Kevin Glavin was in great voice as the singing Santa but was decidedly uncomfortable with his new helper, an elf appropriately named Airhead who blew up balloon sculptures. Unfortunately, it took up too much valuable concert time. Perhaps she could have a few things prepared so as not to take away from Santa's interviews with the children in the audience.
The orchestra easily jumped between styles, negotiating most of the numerous tempo changes (an Olympian feat on its own) and played a few featured works, including the always popular Leroy Anderson favorite, "A Christmas Festival," and Miklos Rozsa's dramatic "Suite From King of Kings." Then the ensemble borrowed a bit of "The Nutcracker," currently on display at the Benedum Center. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre loaned a trio of talented student shepherdesses and a quartet of sheep to perform "Dance of the Mirlitons," with the original PBT choreography adapted for a smaller dance floor.
The nimble staging kept things moving overall, but the stationary Mendelssohn Choir was moving on its own, with musical highlights like the ending of "The Christmas Festival" and the program finale, a blend of "Silent Night" and "White Christmas." With the new sound system, the group had a superior blend and tonal quality that reached out to the audience.
All in all, this Holiday Pops covered a lot of snow-covered ground, which the audience enthusiastically appreciated. Besides, it produced the strongest program we've seen in recent memory, and it only meant that there was plenty of spirit to go around.
First Published December 17, 2011 12:00 am
