With twinkling lights, classic Christmas carols and even a visit from Santa, the audience was swept up in the holiday spirit watching “A Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular Sounds of the Season!” last weekend at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Broadway legend Todd Ellison conducted the sensational show featuring over 300 musicians and singers, including the 65-piece Pops orchestra, guest vocalist Mandy Gonzalez, organist Peter Richard Conte, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir.
The Pops sounded exquisite as they performed amongst the twinkling trees on the stage and sparkling lighted snowflakes above. Every year The Pops invite a guest vocalist to perform with during their holiday shows, and Gonzalez was an exceptional choice this season. Currently starring as Angelica Schuyler in "Hamilton" on Broadway, she appeared so comfortable as she strolled onstage in a silver sequined gown ("this old thing?," she jokingly asked) and performed "Feliz Navidad" and "Remember Me" from the animated film "Coco."
Guest Conductor Ellison, who sported a Philadelphia Eagles-lined suit jacket, bantered easily with Gonzalez and audience members, especially with my friend Joe and his mom Marianne who were sitting front and center. Any missteps were quickly glossed over, and even a fall from Santa as he descended the steps was laughed off because he explained he had "a lot of padding." Trumpeter Matt Gallagher was commanding as he performed "The Christmas Song" by Mel Torme.
Broadway legend Todd Ellison conducted the sensational show featuring over 300 musicians and singers, including the 65-piece Pops orchestra, guest vocalist Mandy Gonzalez, organist Peter Richard Conte, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir.
The Pops sounded exquisite as they performed amongst the twinkling trees on the stage and sparkling lighted snowflakes above. Every year The Pops invite a guest vocalist to perform with during their holiday shows, and Gonzalez was an exceptional choice this season. Currently starring as Angelica Schuyler in "Hamilton" on Broadway, she appeared so comfortable as she strolled onstage in a silver sequined gown ("this old thing?," she jokingly asked) and performed "Feliz Navidad" and "Remember Me" from the animated film "Coco."
Guest Conductor Ellison, who sported a Philadelphia Eagles-lined suit jacket, bantered easily with Gonzalez and audience members, especially with my friend Joe and his mom Marianne who were sitting front and center. Any missteps were quickly glossed over, and even a fall from Santa as he descended the steps was laughed off because he explained he had "a lot of padding." Trumpeter Matt Gallagher was commanding as he performed "The Christmas Song" by Mel Torme.
It’s always a special treat to hear The Philadelphia Boys Choir, especially during "Angels' Carol" and solosit AJ Owens' performance of "Try to Remember."
Another highlight was the amazing African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. Wearing brightly colored dresses and headwear for the women and robes for the men, the choir members’ exuberant joy of singing was evident as their beautiful voices filled the Kimmel Center. Led by Music Director Waltier Blocker, the choir performs at over 100 services, concerts and celebrations each year.
The “Merry Christmas Sing-Along,” with the audience joining in on “Deck the Halls,” "Jingle Bells,” "O, Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" was the perfect ending to a magical show.
Running time: Approximately two and a half hours, including an intermission.
If you go: “A Philly POPS Christmas” runs now until Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia.
Another highlight was the amazing African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. Wearing brightly colored dresses and headwear for the women and robes for the men, the choir members’ exuberant joy of singing was evident as their beautiful voices filled the Kimmel Center. Led by Music Director Waltier Blocker, the choir performs at over 100 services, concerts and celebrations each year.
The “Merry Christmas Sing-Along,” with the audience joining in on “Deck the Halls,” "Jingle Bells,” "O, Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" was the perfect ending to a magical show.
Running time: Approximately two and a half hours, including an intermission.
If you go: “A Philly POPS Christmas” runs now until Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia.
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