New York audiences were privy to a preview of what’s coming to Brownville, Nebraska for the Christmas holidays. As Nadler succinctly puts it, “when you hire a Jew to put a Christmas show together... you get what you get!”

What you actually get is a group of extra-talented people who are funny, blend well together harmonically, with a Nadler sensibility. Kudos to Mark for choosing Tanya Holt, who added her sweet and pure voice to “Baby Mine” (Ned Washington and Frank Churchill) and the group songs.

The show is a mixture of story-telling, both funny and sad, with tried and true holiday songs – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Heather Mac Rae’s lovely dulcet tones clear and meaningful – including Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown and Santa, with a dreidle thrown in for good measure. There are also touching songs like Marta Sanders’ "Man to Share All of My Needs" by Susan Mansur.

Jamie Stern’s “Chinese Food on Christmas” (Brandon Walker) with special lyrics by Stern… “deck the halls with loaves of challah”…was hilarious while Nadler’s childhood “Ismas” story and “Christmas Blues” poignant and sad.

It should prove to be an eclectic holiday season once Brownville is Nadlerfied!

Mark and the cast will be at the Brownville Concert series in Nebraska Dec. 11-13 and then back at the Beechman Dec. 17.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
December 3, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org