On a particularly frigid pre-winter evening, Wade Preston’s hands may have been cold at the start of his performance, but they quickly warmed up and worked their magic “tickling the ivories” in a holiday presentation that showcased his considerable talents as a Billy Joel inspired “piano man”!

Having starred in the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp hit Movin’ Out on Broadway and in two regional tours, Preston has the distinction of performing in the most consecutive shows—and over 1,600 in total.

With a twinkle in his eye and an endearing wide smile, he moved right into an opening instrumental he called “Nutrockers” that combined Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite with a boogie-woogie vibe. Other instrumental highlights included “Christmas Time Is Here” and a particularly imaginative arrangement of “Winter Wonderland.” Vocally, he was equally strong and impressive on Christmas classics like Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson’s “Blue Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.”

He introduced the adorable, fresh-faced Ashley Kate Adams, who, on the merits of presence alone, would seem to have a bright future on the stage. She also possesses a lovely, youthful voice that she used effectively and appropriately on “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and the Gershwins’ “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

Preston’s colleague from Movin’ Out and guitarist extraordinaire, Dennis Del Gaudio, was also a welcome addition to the show.  He not only demonstrated exceptional prowess on the guitar, but a palpable rapport with Preston that added spontaneity and fun to a very entertaining evening.

Together, the three had more than enough talent and spirit to get the holidays off to a rockin’ start!

Lynn DiMenna
Cabaret Scenes
December 8, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org