ISO: Yuletide Celebration

Yuletide 2010

Sandi Patty may have an Oscar-worthy wardrobe. Changing an enviable amount of times during Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration, Patty proves to be as marvelous at hosting as she is as a quick-change artist. She joins Indianapolis’ darling and Pops conductor, Jack Everly, onstage for the 25^th celebration of holiday cheer.

From spiritual to secular songs, along with good-natured teasing, the award-winning singer and company brought the audience to cheers. The patriotic tribute was especially given its due applause as so many have family and friends serving in the military.

Throughout the show host smoothly floats from one skit or song to the next including the sparkly magicians. A father-daughter team, Les Arnold and Dazzle, ham it up to keep the formality at bay while wowing the audience with spectacular slight-of-hand and disappearing acts. From the glittery outfits to the Lucille Ball antics, Dazzle and Dad pulled the favorite act award out of the hat.

The traditional tap-dancing Santas were as popular as ever. This year they were joined on the favorite list by the salute to Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a strong theme throughout Indy this season. Sisters, I Love a Piano, Snow and White Christmas were given their due.

The Shopper’s Lament skit brought the audience to tears laughing at the locally inspired jokes and lyrics, set to Tchaikovsky music. Patty set the mood with her Colts-colored hair and official Colts jersey adorned with sequins.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Photo Credit: Izzy Evans
Website: IndianapolisSymphony.org

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