New Routines Elevate Yuletide Magic
- Rick Rogers, The Oklahoman, December 5,2003

Anyone who has ever assembled a special photo album knows how enjoyable it is to relive the memories that were long ago captured on film. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic's "Yuletide Magic" offers a similar satisfaction, even better perhaps since this seasonal program brings its colorful images so vividly to life.

As with previous editions of "Yuletide Magic," this year's program mixes familiar favorites with new routines. That they range from sacred to secular and poignant to humorous illustrates not only the show's broad appeal but how seemingly disparate styles can segue so seamlessly.

That credit goes to Jo Rowan, the production's tireless writer and director who also heads up Oklahoma City University's American Spirit Dancers. Together with her talented staff of choreographers, she starts with something familiar but creates the impression that you're somehow seeing it anew.

Take the Act I finale, a high-spirited arrangement of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." The number's appeal results from a bevy of girls wearing Santa costumes who continually regroup to form giant kicklines.

In less talented hands, the number would build to its climax and be over. But Rowan delays the inevitable by continually raising the bar. That prompts not one ovation at number's end, but several throughout.

Other numbers begin in one musical style then segue into another. It's that unexpected twist that allows Rowan to give the number added spark — a clever bit of stage business or some unexpected visual element.

Choreographers tend to be limited by their own imaginations, but Rowan's would appear to be a constantly renewable resource. Rowan's Yuletide routines are like a compelling painting that viewers return to again because they always discover something they had missed before.

It's that depth that makes "Yuletide" so magical. The "Carol of the Bells" was designed to be a vocal solo for guest artist Susan Powell, but before the number was over, the stage had erupted in a blaze of color thanks to some brilliant visuals costumer Melanie Stovall created as a backdrop.

The former Miss America was joined by fellow vocalists Mike Eldred and Vince Leseney, each of whom was given a moment in the spotlight. Their efforts were further complemented by the Yuletide Singers, the Yuletide children and Joel Levine's expert handling of the vast orchestral forces.

New elements this year include a rousing tap number set to Benny Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing" and an orchestral overture that provides a perfect setting for a retelling of the biblical story of Mary, Joseph and the wise men.

And, for those who have made "Yuletide Magic" an annual tradition, "Frosty the Snowman," "The Night Before Christmas" and the "Parade of the Tin Soldiers" are back by popular demand.

Like a mosaic that reveals itself only when the individual pieces finally fall into place, "Yuletide Magic" is much more than the sum of its individual musical numbers and dance routines. With its series of beautifully staged tableaux, think of it as a gift that keeps on giving.