By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
Just about the time you think TexARTS can’t top itself, it produces yet another miracle, and in this instance, just in time to stoke up that holiday spirit.
Challenged by the TexARTS board, co-founder Todd Dellinger has written “I’ll Be Seeing You, A 1940s Christmas Musical.” He found inspiration from his grandparents, products of the “Greatest Generation” that fought in World War II. “I’ll Be Seeing You” combines all the right sentiments to take the audience on a sentimental journey.
The show is anchored by its two narrators, Joe Penrod and Wendy Zavaleta. Both deliver the goods with dialogue and great voices.
“I’ll Be Seeing You” features many of the greatest songs of the era, including beloved standards like “Remember,” “In The Mood,” “Skylark,” “At Last,” and “Stormy Weather.”
But it is the holiday tunes that give the show special meaning, including standards like “Silent Night” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
At every turn the show delights the senses, and gets right down to business with a trio of terrific singers doing their best “Andrews’ Sisters” send-off. Listen closely enough to the combined talents of Leslie Hollingsworth, Kelly Khun and Selena Rosanbalm and you might just expect a Lowell Thomas newsreel to click into action, complete with footage from the European Theatre.
The show will be particularly meaningful to those who grew up in the 1940s, tapping into memories that have shaped the nation.
In addition to Dellinger’s fine narrative, co-founder Robin Lewis turns in a excellent job with the choreography, and is himself simply spectacular as he hoofs his way through music that was truly made to dance to. He gets help from a bevy of talented dancers, including Eric Ferguson and Erin Erxleben.
“I’ll Be Seeing You” promises to be a Christmas tradition in the Lake Travis area. But if you want to see it, we recommend making reservations, and soon. The show runs through Dec. 21. Call TexARTS at 852-9079 or visit www.tex-arts.org for more information.