Liz Calloway in Concert via Palace Theatre – Review by Bonnie Goldberg

Versatile could be Liz Callaway’s middle name. Her unique and warmly inviting singing style has been celebrated in such roles as Eva Peron in “Evita,” Norma Desmond in ”Sunset Boulevard,” Dot in “Sunday in the Park with George” and Grizabella in “Cats” to name but a few. In addition, she’s created concerts featuring the music of “Follies,” “Hair” and composer Stephen Sondheim. These are but a few of the Titanic tip of the legendary musical iceberg for this prolific artist.

Right now you can bring the iconic Miss Callaway right into your living room until Monday, January 4, 2021 as you snuggle by the fire place for a singularly sensational concert of holiday music perfect for your evening viewing pleasure. You don’t have to travel to New Zealand, China, Australia, Iceland, Estonia, France, Slovenia, South Korea or Spain to hear her golden voice. This Tony nominee and Emmy Award winning singer, actress and recording artist will present “Home for the Holidays” courtesy of Waterbury’s Palace Theater as part of Bank of America’s Virtual Holiday Series. Support the Palace Theater and save $5 on your ticket by going to www.palacetheater.com for streaming instructions.

With a lovely Christmas setting at the Bedford Playhouse in Bedford, New York, Miss Callaway welcomes you with “We Need a Little Christmas,” convincing us that snow and Santa will both be coming soon. With show tunes from movies and Broadway, she reveals her personal philosophy for facing her challenges, by belting out “Cockeyed Optimist,” She encourages you to set a place at the dining room table because she is sure “l’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

In between the songs, she delights with charming conversations and anecdotes, sharing her background as a voice animating such movies as becoming a singing and dancing napkin ring in “Beauty and the Beast,” being the voice of the lost Russian princess in “Anastasia,” playing Jasmine in “Aladdin,” and even the “Brave Little Toaster.”

With guitarist Peter Calo, she gives a glimpse into her new album ”Comfort and Joy An Acoustic Christmas” with tunes like “Merry Christmas Darling” and “Carol of the Bells.” Thanks to pianist Joseph Thalken, her seventy minute concert is a lovely way to usher in the holiday spirit, ending with the cheery wish to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a desire we all share as the difficult year 2020 winds to a close.

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