Nothing brings the holidays to life quicker than the beautiful music of the season. When it’s delivered wrapped in beautiful voices, you can feel the magic come to life.
On December 7th, in this its second year, “SPARKLE: An All-Star Holiday Concert” brought Palm Springs an instant surge of holiday happiness through the music, dance and comedic talents of fourteen incredibly gifted performers!
Making the evening sweeter; proceeds from the show and a silent auction, all went to benefit the tremendous work of the Desert AIDS Project! It’s a gift we had that evening and one that will continue to give, through the services DAP provides all year long.
Fitting so much extraordinary talent into ninety-minutes is hard to imagine, yet producers of the show; Mark Jones of Brighthaus Marketing and Scott Nevins, comedian, TV/radio personality and award winning host - who was also host for the evening - managed to do it, seamlessly!
The stage of the beautiful Annenburg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, was set in holiday splendor; Christmas Trees adorned with presents, twinkling lights and songs of the season greeted us as we took our seats, setting the tone for the fun evening ahead.
Lovely, Jessica Keenan Wynn - yes she is related to late actor Keenan Wynn - began the festivities with a fantastic rendition of “All I Want for Christmas is You”
Talented and handsome host; Scott Nevins, added his own special blend of wit and charm as he introduced each performer, leaving no gaps during transitions… like I mentioned the show was seamless!
Hearing the songs we all know and love, presented beautifully, with each performers unique touch was in a word; outstanding! Under the direction of Jesse Vargas, the musical accompaniment blended perfectly with each voice.
If the powers that be would create a DVD and/or a CD for purchase, of the show, I’d be first in line. Yes it’s that good!
Midway through the show, special guest, legendary entertainer Jo Anne Worley - looking beautiful in a sparkly black pant suit - was hilarious, bantering with Scott, who, as he stated, “for the first time played the straight man” to her humor. She then settled into her “throne” to read “Twas The Night Before Christmas” complete with sound affects and comedic input that had everyone in stitches.
At last year’s SPARKLE Max von Essen magnificently performed “Just In Time for Christmas”, a touching song I’d never heard and instantly fell in love with. This year he performed it again, but with an added surprise. Mr. Nevins shared this wonderful news with the audience; not only is the song available for purchase on iTunes, but in keeping with the spirit of giving, Max is generously donating all proceeds from his song to the “Trevor Project’s It Gets Better” fund, an organization who offers hope and support to young people struggling with bullying and adversity. “Just in Time for Christmas” instantly went to the top of my favorites list.
Milena Govich added dance to her performance of “I Want to Be A Rockette”. Joining her, in portrayal of the character as a child telling her “mama” what she wants to do someday, was beautiful ten year old dance student, Isabella DePalatis. Their routine was spot on symmetry in style, never missing a kick or beat.
For me there’s always that moment in a show, when something tugs my heart and hits an emotional place that’s ready and waiting. It came by way of Julie Garnye, Jen Malenke and Robyn Clark doing a poignant rendition of “Hard Candy Christmas”; from “Best Little Whorehouse”. The second they sang “I’ll be fine and dandy…” my waterproof mascara came in handy.”
It was an impressive sign of true showmanship and dignity when Mark and Scott ended the program by thanking not only the cast, but each and every person involved in bringing SPARKLE to life. “It takes a village”, in this case many villagers in Palm Springs and it goes a long way when those who work so hard are acknowledged. Kudos to both gentleman for doing that.
I could go on and on sharing a glowing individual account of each performance, but it would take pages to give each of these ladies and gentlemen the well deserved credit due. So, I’ll sum up by saying “SPARKLE:…” is a show that’s not to be missed when it returns to Palm Springs next year.
Meeting the delightful cast after the show at the VIP reception is the icing on a perfect cake.
Be on the look-out for “SPARKLE” 2012. Bring your family and friends and add this show to the memorable magic of your holiday traditions!