by Mark G. Auerbach
Home for the Holidays has been a holiday tradition at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater for many years. It showcases many of the actors and musicians seen onstage at The Majestic over time, as well as in area clubs and community theatres. Home for The Holidays is reminiscent of those golden age of television holiday specials, when folks like Andy Williams, Perry Como, and Mitzi Gaynor gathered around family, friends, and a few guest stars who just happen to drop by to celebrate the season. There’s a jovial air, which celebrates the good spirits of the season, make us think of days gone by, and sends us home with a glow of seasonal warmth.
Ray Guillemette Jr, best known to area audiences for his Elvis tribute shows, is an amiable host, introducing members of the Majestic family to sing traditional and pop holiday songs, arranged and conducted by Mitch Chakour, a veteran of Majestic performances since the first season. Chakour is an ace guitarist, top notch pianist and singer as well. The entire ensemble have good voices, and they’re joined by radio personality Brad Shepard, who has done lots of area community theatre, and delivers some snappy one-liners followed by “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. The evening’s tour de force is Lori Efford, who joined the ensemble for a knock it out of the park blues number. Her belt packs a punch, and she rocks the rafters. Sue Dziura directs the
The cast of Home for the Holidays.
evening, which is basically a cavalcade of songs with a couple of moments of chat to tie the holiday package together.
Home for The Holidays has no plot, no moral debates, and no moments of intense drama. It’s plain old holiday entertainment, with its only intention being to spread some holiday cheer. It succeeds. Home for The Holidays runs through December 22. Many performances are sold out. For details: www.majestictheater.com.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat Radio for 89.5fm/WSKB, and is a contributor to Pioneer Valley Radio.
