Christmas in Blowing Rock 2
REVIEW:from the Blowing Rock News
By David Rogers. December 17, 2010. BLOWING ROCK -- With "Christmas in Blowing Rock 2", Ensemble Stage Company has won a 2010 artistic "trifecta." Following on the heels of "God's Man in Texas" with an all-professional cast, then with October's redux of "War of the Worlds" (mostly community performers), "Christmas" is arguably a near-perfect, professionally-managed community production.
There was little not to like about this show. The timing was crisp. The performances were first rate. And the script was creatively clever. You don't have time to get bored, much less fall asleep, because as soon as one act is finishing, the next one is beginning. In fact, in one sense the true stars of this production are Gary Smith (Artistic Director); Blake Pace (Musical Director); Lisa Lamont (Managing Director) and their technical support team (called, "Jerry's Crew" in memory of, and to honor the late Jerry Burns, an enthusiastic supporter of professional theater in Blowing Rock).
High praise for the cast begins with the child performers. Of course, there is something about kids and Christmas that go together like nothing else. In this production, the young performers captured not only the magical fun of the holiday, but also reflected the spiritual wonder and innocence of "the Christmas story" that only a child can achieve -- right from their very first song together, "Away in the Manger." The members of the "Kids Chorus" complemented each other musically, as well as visually, which is a significant tip of the cap to those responsible for casting the show.
"Away in the Manger"
"Medley"
