This review originally appeared online for the Duluth News Tribune on December 10, 2020 at 10:00pm and was written by Sheryl Jensen. Featured above (from L to R): Carolyn LePine, Shad Olsen, Christina Stroup, and Gabriel Mayfield.
Every holiday season, the Playhouse traditionally presents a big, colorful blockbuster musical with sold-out audiences of folks dressed up in their best “out on the town” finery. This year, however, a virtual small concert was the safest choice for both performers and audiences.
For Songs of the Season, NorShor Artistic Director Phillip Fazio gathered four beloved area vocalists: Carolyn LePine, Shad Olsen, Gabe Mayfield and Christina Stroup, for an evening of holiday favorites. Each had their solo moments to shine, and they came together as a powerful quartet.
Some of the song lyrics hit home especially hard this year and seemed curated to have the performers sing of the many emotions of our bleak winter. There were, however, also many upbeat, up-tempo pieces to bring a smile.
TUNE IN FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
- What: Songs of the Season, a virtual holiday revue presented by The Duluth Playhouse from the NorShor Theatre’s stage
- When: Stream any time now through January 3, 2021
- Where: Exclusively on the Playhouse’s YouTube channel
- Price: Donate-what-you-can for all-time access now through January 3, 2021
- Purchase: Visit www.duluthplayhouse.org/main-stage
- Questions: Email ahartwig@duluthplayhouse.org