The New York Pops Family Concert: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
It certainly won’t feel like the holidays until you’ve experienced “A Charlie Brown Christmas”!
Dancers from New York Theatre Ballet with with narrator John Bolton and music director Steven Reineke with the New York Pops and Essential Voices USA in the Carnegie Hall Family Concert “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (Photo credit: Richard Termine)
Courtney Marie, Critic
The New York Pops with music director Steven Reineke and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute treated New Yorkers and their loved ones to a heartwarming concert of Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas with everyone’s favorite friends – the Peanuts gang! The iconic Carnegie Hall was aglow with anticipation and holiday cheer, as fans young and old gathered together to celebrate the joy of the season.
Choreography by director/choreographer Liza Gennaro, as performed by dancers from New York Theatre Ballet is sleek and stunning. Dancers succeed at capturing that wholesome and youthful energy reflective of the magic of the season. Legendary actor, John Bolton, served as narrator and was flawless in his delivery as he set the scene for the classic tale. Additionally, Bolton treated the audience to the sound of his lovely voice as he performed favorites such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World.” His exuberance, sophistication and charm provided an extra sparkle that kept audiences not only engaged, but in awe.
Dancer Joshua Andino-Nieto took on the role of Charlie Brown and was joined by Amanda Treibner who starred as Lucy and Michael Wells as Linus. The trio brought the wholesome characters to life as they recreated Charlie Brown’s journey to finding the meaning of Christmas, including the famous scene picking out his sad tree, played by the adorable Finley McElhinney – and made the audience fall in love with these friends all over again! Members of the classic Peanuts gang were voiced by students from TADA! Youth Theater: Samantha Pohly as Lucy, AJ Walker as Charlie Brown, and Michael Sanchez as Linus.
The costume design by Carmina de Dios stayed true to the simple designs that each character is known for – down to the trusty blue blanket that Linus carries with him everywhere. A truly special and delightful gift, A Charlie Brown Christmas brings joy and peace to the heart of even the most jaded New Yorker. It certainly won’t feel like the holidays until you’ve experienced A Charlie Brown Christmas!
A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 20, 2015)
The New York Pops and Carnegie Hall
Weill Music Institute
TADA! Youth Theater
New York Theater Ballet
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave at 57th Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, call 212-247-7800 or visit http://www.carnegiehall.org
Running time: 60 minutes without an intermission
Leave a comment