A Glorious Tradition

Reviewed by Marilu Murphy

Entering the theatre and peering down upon the stage, took me back to an era of years gone by of an old fashioned Christmas. A sparkling, white winter wonderland is presented before me. A large white grand piano with 12 glittering candles neatly placed beneath it sit just slightly left and in front of a wide, white set of steps.  Twenty snow covered trees of different sizes twinkling with soft white lights are placed around each side and back of the large set of steps  Four vintage white street lamps are wrapped in snowy boughs and natural garland stand among the trees, two, on each side on their own white stair step. The surrounding blue light and the amber glow of the street lamps adds to the ambiance and my memories of a full moon lit winter’s night. The very front of the stage is draped in snow like you might see along the top edge of a snow laden roof. Fifty white twinkling candles, line the front stage with snow covered greenery. The greenery is lit with more tiny amber lights setting off a soft glimmer surrounding the grouping of candles. . I can see a drum kit nestled among the trees on the left side of the stage, on its own small platform. Acoustic and electric guitars and a banjo are leaning against the wall. On the right side of the stage there is a bass, a cello and a violin.

The show begins, the musicians start to play, Elena Howard Scott wafts across to centre stage wearing a beautiful, glittering silver gown. Her voice is that of an angel, clear and crisp as she sings “Wish Upon a Star”. The lighting changes from bright white to shades of blue, red and amber reflecting the mood of the music offering the audience a spectacular light show.

Annie Ramos glides across the stage in a shimmering amber gown. Her voice is operatic as she sings “Mary Did You Know”. Her range is wide with extremely effortless high notes and deep low notes. The audience is mesmerized as they listen. She brings such powerful emotions forth, I could feel it, I had chills.

The music presented now is a mix of classics and country bringing back memories as a child of the same songs that played in the background while I opened my gifts that were under the tree. The men, Michael Vanhevel, Luciano Decicco and Alex Baerg are clearly professionals. Their voices are rich and smooth complimenting one another when they sing with the ladies and together. Their tuxedos and suits range from black to shimmering coloured jackets and ties matching the ladies gowns when they sing together.  The choreography foot steps and body movements vary with a float, a glide or a foot stomp depending on the music.

I am invested in the classic, modern,  country and jazz music, captivating light show, the splendid voices, gowns and handsome suits.  The performers are changing direction.  They quickly uplift the audience with a lighthearted comedic skit. The mood is charged with laughter almost immediately as Kate Suhr stiffly walks on stage as Barbie.  She sings “All I Want For Christmas”. Ken, is played by Alex Baerg, he too stiffly walks on stage to join her, both are inside their Barbie and Ken doll boxes which adds to the humour . Kate’s voice is very versatile, she proves to the audience that she can sing in any style that’s presented to her. I am so impressed with her abilities.

Members of the band not only provide the music, they join in as well with performing and singing on centre stage. Mark Payne masters the piano and accordion perfectly.  Matt Ballagh makes his guitar sing in some of the more modern Christmas rock music. Charlie Kramer provides the deep woody sounds on his big beautiful bass and Jill Sauerteig plays her cello with such feeling.  The stringed instruments are special and they add to a relaxing ambiance. Leah Grandmont performs with her violin. She dances, twirls and glides on centre stage while playing her violin. Leah sings a solo as well as complementing the others with her musical skills. Last but most definitely not least is David Robillard, a sought-after professional percussionist. His skills as a drummer are so important in this performance. He sprinkles tambourine, sleigh bells and other special sound effects effortlessly throughout the musical pieces that warrant that extra touch.

The second act begins with a foot stomping rendition of “Joy to the World” featuring not only their voices but two guitars and the violin. The Lambton Youth Choir walks on to the stage, twenty five young girls are dressed in festive blue sparkly tops and black pants. The girls sing flawlessly  “Go Tell It On the Mountain”.  The performers carry on presenting to the audience their very best festive music. The audience rewards the cast with not only one standing ovation but two. Be prepared to not only hear the music and performance but feel the emotions that they evoke. I was awestruck, I felt the thrill, I was mesmerized and I laughed. I recommend seeing this highly professional performance so you too can feel the joy and excitement of a Starbright Christmas.

Starbright Christmas 2025 is playing at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia from November 25 to December 14 at 2 PM. There is a 7:30 pm and a 2pm performance on December 6 and  December 14.

Photo: Mark Payne on piano with Annie Ramos, Elena Howard Scott, Michael Vanhevel, Kate Suhr, Alex Baerg, and Luciano Decicco.  Photo by Diane O’Dell

Starbright Christmas 2025
Conceived and written by David Rogers
Directed by David Hogan & David Rogers
Musical direction & arrangements by Mark Payne
Choreographed by David Hogan
Performed by Annie Ramos, Kate Suhr, Elena Howard Scott, Michael Vanhevel, Luciano Decicco and Alex Baerg
Victoria, Playhouse, Petrolia
November 25 to December 14, 2025
Reviewed by Marilu Murphy