The Reviews Are In!

Help is on the Way for the Holidays VIII was another hit playing to a packed house. From Karen Mason's opening of "Winter Wonderland"/"Let it Snow" to Nancy Sinatra's "The Boots Are Made for Walking" (backed by a line of dancing Santa Clauses), it was a powerhouse of one amazing performance after another.

From "Beyond Chron" by Lee Hargrave

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (Highest rating)

HELP IS ON THE WAY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

I DON’T KNOW HOW THEY DO IT. BUT EACH YEAR THE CHRISTMAS SHOW AT THE HERBST THEATER THAT BENEFITS SEVERAL CHARITIES JUST SEEMS TO GET MORE EXCITING EACH YEAR.

This year’s “Help is on the way for the Holidays” VIII, directed by David Galligan was beyond breathtaking. Heck, its even beyond “Bed and Bath. This show was superb. The talent assembled was everyone’s dream cast. The show really did live up to the hype with stars like Nancy Sinatra (who got a rousing welcome) and Rip Taylor, who tried to bury the audience in confetti. Taylor has got to be the biggest talent in the world. He is sidesplitting funny. He still wears the sequined blouse as he races down the aisle yelling at the people to get out of his way. “I’ve been doing this for years…and that’s what kept me out of the top” – he says. Then, he looks at the piano player who was playing some special material. “STOP! STOP”, he yelled. “You got the job.” He’s a grand pop spectacle and marvel of fun. Dare I say “Tons of Fun?” If they’d auction him off – I’d buy him for a couple of weeks.

La Toya London has really become a huge favorite at these shows. And, with good reason. She is the consummate entertainer. Her voice soars, her personality shines and she picks songs that you play over and over in your mind. Plus, she is stunning and she’s also spirited and sexy. What a snazzy treat to see her again.

Anthony Fedorov, the young, good looking singer who rose to the top on “American Idol”, has plenty of name recognition judging by the hoots and hollers as he took the stage. His performance kept everyone riveted. He put a wild feeling into his song. And, you know what else? He comes across as being a great guy. There are no pretensions about him…and that’s what makes him so likeable, plus the enormous talent.

Producers Joe Seiler and Ken Henderson couldn’t have put together a more delightful evening. There are many more stars in the show then I have room to mention. Hopefully, many of them will be at the Next “Help” which is moving back to the “Palace of Fine Arts.” Thanks guys. It was first class, elegant and really entertaining evening.