REVIEW: Mannheim Steamroller Brings Snow And Technotraditions To Orpheum Theatre
If you're keeping track, it snowed twice this holiday season and The Nutcracker performed three times at the Orpheum Theater.
The final blast — and the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy — came Tuesday night when Mannheim Steamroller brought its Christmas show to town.
"Mannheim Steamroller Christmas" is a collection of Christmas greatest hits and includes a throwback to the song that put founder Chip Davis on the charts - CW McCall's single "Convoy." Recorded memories include Davis admitting in a coffee shop in Nebraska that the two things he didn't want to do were live in Nebraska and write country music.
However, the Omaha native managed to transfer his national chart success to Best Mannheim, who became no. 1. Techno songs (such as "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Deck the Halls") led to Christmas 1. on the charts for nearly 40 years.
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To show that the six musicians (and their accompanying orchestra) had more to offer, they even played samples from the Fresh Air album, including "Come Home to the Sea," which sounded like the perfect accompaniment to the reading of "Come Home to the Sea." ." Heard. Jonathan Livingston's Seagulls."
While keyboardist David Plank enjoyed some of the spotlight, the other five players had plenty of opportunities to show off their versatility. They bring recorders and various percussion instruments and dance to everything from "Rudolph" to "Joy to the World."
A version of "Greensleeves" recorded several years ago by Davis' daughter Elise was the evening's lone vocal. Elise Davis' performance was filmed live in Omaha.
What the orchestra can't do is manic lighting that makes catching a snowflake on your tongue almost unappealing. Almost like a spotlight, they got off the show to an unpleasant start. Fortunately, traditional Christmas carols restore cheer and all is right in the world of Mannheim.
"O Holy Night" is a moving first act and epilogue; "Gagliarda" reminds us of the silly videos Davis used to make.
While Tuesday's program didn't feature extensive solos for any of the six, it did offer moments where they excelled. (Player Anna Lakoff got a chance to practice a little on the board.)
Thomas Kinkade-esque visuals accompany some songs, and then it snows. It's a nice gesture (remember, the Wizards did it for the first time this year), but it's not entirely necessary. As with all things Mannheim, surprises are part of the holiday tradition.
Bruce Miller is editor of the Sioux City Journal.
