Xtravaganza 2005
Brain cells are trailing behind me like the wind shooting past the fur of a canine sticking his head out of the family car. I am only just beginning to write this in October 2006 – practically a year after the 2005 Xtravaganza. Hence, I cannot remember much. In fact, I believe much of the following could be inaccurate if not WRONG. Here’s an idea, YOU write the review of the show next year, and we’ll put ‘em up online (or something).
The set order changed during the show – as it usually does. It seemed more so this particular year. No matter how long or how hard I work, preparing & printing out the set list prior to the show, it almost always gets changed a number of times during the course of the show. For instance, we were waiting to hear if Patti Smith’s driver had yet found her to pick her up – long after the show had begun. With occurrences like that, any prepared/printed out sequence is nothing more than an estimation of what will happen. At this point, it’s all I have. Well, sure, there was some kind of recording going on. But I haven’t seen it, so it’s like it doesn’t exist. So, I’m gonna write what I GENERALLY think went down last year as best I can remember.
RE-ENTER DUSTY MICALE
My old friend Dusty, one of the show’s original performers, joined in at the last minute to add some synthesizer details to the material that needed help. God Bless him. He saved the day in the 11th hour. I tried to add a few new touches to the production, starting with renting theatrical set pieces for the staging. The show began with the cozy little idea of me sitting in front of a fireplace surrounded by children, singing the completely tasteless number called “I Farted On Santa’s Lap”. Rosie HATES the song. I’m thinking so did half the audience. But I thought it was wonderfully ridiculous, and it’s my show (sort of), so what the hey. Sorry if it offended anyone. The kids were great, I thought.
ENTER THE RUTGERS GLEE CLUB
As if to make up for the previous display of bad taste, The Rutgers Glee Club entered the house from the rear dressed in full tuxedo regalia, walking onto the stage, to sing a few numbers. I am still oblivious as to what songs they sang, but they sounded huge and sure added some class to my wacky pageant.
ENTER TOM HAGGERTY
Tom Haggerty of THS Multimedia, pitched in to install and operate video projection for this year’s show. I thought we’d show some film clips throughout the show, including excerpts from various classic perennial holiday films and cartoons. I believe one of these was shown at this point, as the Glee Club exited the stage (to all hit the Hyatt Hotel Bar for a raucously wild night out which ended in a paddy wagon trip for all to the New Brunswick drunk tank – kidding). Next was one of Plink's contributions to the show, the 70's "Apollo 100" instrumental "Joy" – a pop arrangement of Bach's gorgeous "Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desire".
Next was "Blue Christmas" sung by Billy J. Kramer – the 60s pop idol from Liverpool, England.
The great Phoebe Snow appeared and sang her idea of a holiday tune, Aerosmith's "Angel". She was great as usual.
I like the film 'Love Actually'. Anyone who's seen it should remember the washed up rock singer's holiday comeback hit song – a rewrite of The Troggs oldie "Christmas Is All Around". Tony Shanahan chose this as his number to sing this year. Great idea.
ENTER ERNIE TRIONFO
An instrumental version of “Frosty The Snowman” came next (I think) featuring a new addition to the XX band, His name is Ernie Trionfo and he plays pedal steel guitar. It was Tony Shanahan’s request to find a pedal steel guitarist, and Plinky suggested Ernie – an excellent player and a great addition to the band. The Pedal Steel is a wondrous instrument, and Ernie’s a solid player.
ENTER IAN HOLUBIAK, ANDREW MARR, MARK and JOHN MORONEY and MICHAEL CASTRONOVA
A hard-core version of “Carol Of The Bells” was next, featuring my Rock Academy kids (Andrew on drums, John on bass and Ian, Mike and Mark on guitars)
There was an acoustic version of ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ (in a very UN-Mariah Carey style) sung by Sally Burtnik (with her lifelong pal Ian on guitar).
Mark Sacco took over by fronting the band on ‘You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch’ – including a rap section he wrote.
ENTER ODELL DAVIS
Backing up Mark on drums was Odell, a young drummer and an amazing, exciting player. I expect this kid to be very big someday.
ENTER FAITH HAHN
Next was one of this year’s showstoppers, Ave Maria sung by 14-year-old Faith Hahn (daughter of Barbara). It was a moving performance by such a young talent. She absolutely brought the house down.
ENTER SAMMI PENICK
I worked up an arrangement of ‘The Holly And The Ivy’ to be sung by 13-year-old Sammi as a duet with my daughter Sally. I love including kids in the show…
Next up was our beautiful annual ‘Fairy Tale of NYC’ featuring Christine Ohlman and Joe Hurley.
ENTER ELISE BENDER
Another newcomer youngster, 9-year-old Elise Bender, sang ‘Where Are You Christmas?’ (from the Ron Howard Grinch film). Elise fearlessly stood alone at the microphone, sweetly singing into the large, packed theatre. Another nice moment.
ENTER TADHG BRADY
One of the – if not THE – most memorable moments of the 2005 Xtravaganza was the appearance of Tony Shanahan’s little 5-year-old nephew Tadhg (pronounced like the first syllable in ‘Tiger’) With his uncle Tony at his side, Tadhg sang out an enthusiastic, on-key rendition of ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’. Surely one of the youngest performers in the history of the show, Tadhg brought the house down with his talent and charm.
During the Intermission we showed more clips from classic Christmas time flicks.
And the rest went something like this (in a non accurate order):
The Patti Smith Band performed ‘Greensleeves’ & ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’
Xtravaganza favorites, Spiraling performed their ‘Nutrocker’/’Do You Hear What I Hear’ tunes.
For the second year, The North Brunswick Twp High School Drum Line appeared, this year performing their ‘North Brunswick Christmas’ selection.
Another highlight of the night.
Christine Ohlman sang ‘Rock n Roll Santa’
James Mastro sang ‘Jesus Christ’
Lenny Kaye sang ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’
Carlton Brown sang ‘Merry Christmas Baby’
Bernie BB Brausewetter sang ‘Back Door Santa’
Marshall Crenshaw sang ‘(It’s Gonna Be A) Lonely Christmas’
Rob Paparozzi performed Randy Newman’s ‘Louisiana’
Jigs and his little girls performed ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’
Chuck Buck appeared as ‘Soprano Claus’
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