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A Carol from the Harry Shearer and Judith Owen Singalong
There was a warm communal vibe at Harry Shearer and Judith Owen's singalong December 5th. It was held in the Steve Allen Theater, which is small and homey enough to remind you of being in a high school auditorium. In fact, it was almost like being at your kid's high school holiday chorale -- if your kids were all over 40 and went to the most awesome high school ever.
The first half of the evening was more concert than singalong. Judith Owen is an entertainer with a sharp wit and impressive vibrato. Christopher Guest was unable to make it, so she stepped in with a jazzy if tongue-in-cheek version of "Christmas with the Devil."
Julianna Ray and her guitarist impressed with a bossanova version of "Christmastime is Here" from a Charlie Brown Christmas Special. Julia Fordham sang one of her own jazz-flavored Christmas songs. "Give Santa Some Love" by Steve Poltz added a little levity. Annette O'Toole (yes, from Cat People) sang a sad one written by Michael McKeon; the Irish always have to make you cry. Harry Shearer performed "Jesus was a Dreidl Spinner" and "Christmas in Khandahar."
The evening ended with a rousing sigalong and some entertaining audience participation. It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, and if nothing else, it was worth it just to watch Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole dance like your parents.
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