The New York Pops, the venerable New York music institution founded by Skitch Henderson, presented its first holiday program under its new Musical Director, Steven Reineke. Although very little original material was presented, the mere presence of Broadway leading man Brian Stokes Mitchell (pictured) raised the evening from the realm of pleasantly performed clichés to the level of an evening of classics re-considered.

The Essential Voices USA and the Camp Broadway Chorus, two large choruses, added some sonic heft to the program with their enthusiasm, but, perhaps, not a totally professional polish. Neither chorus had a particularly robust, unified sound, but the sheer energy of the choristers was contagious.

Mr. Mitchell not only sang these old chestnuts with subtlety and power, but also contributed some arrangements to the evening, including a medley of “The Christmas Song”Mel Tormé & Robert Wells)/”A Crazy Christmas List”(Brian Stokes MItchell) and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as well as the sole tribute to Chanukah, a dramatic medley of Hebrew songs.  For the record, Kwanzaa was touched upon with a number by Wesley Whatley & William Schermerhorn called “Habari Gani.”  Mr. Mitchell  displayed more than richness of tone as he imitated all of “The Friendly Beasts” of the English carol and turned Carnegie Hall into an intimate cabaret with his interpretations of Loesser’s “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” and the aforementioned “The Christmas Song.”

Steven Reineke shepherded all his forces and hosted the program with a glee which guaranteed that these holiday specials will become “must-sees” for many holiday seasons to come.

Joel Benjamin
Cabaret Scenes
December 11, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org