Chorus Takes Audience on Holiday World Tour

Residents of more than 160 countries celebrate Christmas, and several of those countries were celebrated at Washington University's Edison Theatre on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 as the Gateway Men's Chorus presented Christmas 'Round the World to a nearly sold-out house.

Kicking off its 24th season—the third under the artistic directorship of Dr. Jeffrey Carter—the chorus performed Christmas music from around the world, sometimes lovingly arranged and traditionally presented, and often with its trademark satire and campiness.

Sitting through a performance by a chorus can be trying, but not so with the Gateway Men's Chorus. Its combination of traditional carols, which often achieved a dynamic, full-bodied and rich sound, were frequently followed by humorous numbers performed theater-style, a formula that kept the show moving and engaged the audience.

In one such number, Kislev Cowboys, several members of the chorus came forward, suddenly donned cowboy hats and sang a Russian-Jewish song in country-western style. When its line dance turned into traditional Russian-Jewish dance, the effect was both joyous and hilarious.

Similarly, Keven Cherry's solo, My Simple Christmas Wish, was well-acted and funny, and even though his final note—too high for him to hit—sounded flatter than a Christmas tree run over by Santa's sleigh, I found myself able to forgive him and laugh all the more.

Another performer worthy of a nod is Phil Eibeck, whose gave a delightful rendition of  I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, performed in the character of a little boy.

Harried Christmas, performed in doo-wop style, kicked off the first act, and was one of my favorites.

The Twelve Days After Christmas illustrates the humor peppered throughout the program and describes what happens to the gifts described in the famous song after the holiday. One of the gifts—three french hens—were used to make chicken soup when Grandma had the croup. It was a clever and witty number, and the audience ate it up.

That doesn't take away from the songs performed with straightforward seriousness. Christmas Comes Anew, for example, featured a lovely tenor solo.

The orchestra, in spite of its small size—five members on cello, drums, piano, flute and woodwinds—achieved a lively, full sound that was a testament to its professionalism.

All in all, the Gateway Men's Chorus presented a delightful program full of beauty, humor and surprises that ushered in the the holidays with the spirit of Christmas.

If you missed this performance of the Gateway Men's Chorus, be sure to catch its spring concert, "Piano Men," featuring the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, Barry Manilow and other pop icons. They'll perform musical favorites with two grand pianos on stage. The performance will happen at 8 p.m. March 26 at 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave. in University City. Tickets will be available starting in January. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at gatewaymenschorus.org.