Holland Theatre swings into the holidays with tribute to Tony Bennett

473
The cast of A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett rehearse at the Holland Theatre in preparation for two performances this weekend—7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8, at 2. Pictured, from left, are vocalists Ian Fullerton, Michael Mallory, Amanda Stephens and Charity Zimmerman. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)

Tony Bennett. Broadway. Christmas. It all goes together so nicely.

This weekend’s Windmill Production of A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett at the Holland Theatre offers something for everyone. With local talent that sparkles like a star on the top of the tree, it’s the kind of performance we’ve come to anticipate from the Holland.

You have two opportunities to catch A Swingin’ Christmas—Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2.

Come enjoy this classy theatrical experience featuring Bennett standards like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing” interspersed with plenty of Christmas classics. The four singers hit tight harmonies with holiday favorites from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to “Silent Night.”

These talented local vocalists are familiar faces to many of us. In fact, three of them—Charity Zimmerman, Ian Fullerton and Michael Mallory—all held starring roles in this past summer’s production of My Fair Lady. Filling out the quartet is Amanda Stephens, who played Blanche in Bonnie & Clyde, Holland’s 2023 musical.

Joining the singers onstage are three musicians—Dean Alstaetter, piano; Jesus R. Delgado, percussion; and Jeremy Laukhuf, bass. David Buchenroth took on the role of musical director with Suzanne Dennis serving as director and choreographer.

Anyone who’s a Tony Bennett fan will love this show,” Buchenroth said, “and those who don’t know his music will recognize the holiday classics. Jazz enthusiasts will enjoy it too.”

The charm of this show is the fabulous music, from Christmas to Frank Sinatra to the songs of Tony Bennett,” Dennis added.

It’s a Broadway-inspired production you won’t want to miss. Tickets may be purchased at theholland.org, or at the box office, 127 E. Columbus Avenue. For box office hours and other information, visit the website or call (937) 592-9002.

You have two chances to see A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett—Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2. Featuring Bennett favorites and holiday classics, this performance brings Broadway to the Holland Theatre stage. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)