Archive for Reviews

The Arts Fuse: “The Christmas Revels 2021” — As Usual, Rising in Song

By David Greenham Once again, under challenging circumstances, the Revels cast and crew has pulled off a rousing good show. The Christmas Revels 2021 directed by Patrick Swanson. Music Direction by George Emlen, Scenic Design by Jeremy Barnett, Costume Design by Heidi A. Hermiller, Lighting Design by Jeff Adelberg,…

Joyce’s Choices: The Christmas Revels

By Joyce Kulhawik There’s holiday entertainment still to be had ONLINE this holiday week and here are two that encompass the dynamics and traditions of the season– which this year feels more fraught than most. Take comfort and joy in the following offerings which dust off the past,…

New England Theater Mirror: Christmas Revels Returns to Sanders Theater

By Mike Hoban ‘The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice’ – Directed by Patrick Swanson; Musical Direction by George Emlen, Edmar Colon, Associate Music Director; Set Design by Jeremy Barnett; Sound Design by Bill Winn; Lighting Design by Jeff Adelberg; Choreography by Kelli Edwards, Gillian Stewart, Tony…

Boston Globe Review: The ‘Christmas Revels’ celebrates a new direction

CAMBRIDGE — What was to have been the 50th annual “Christmas Revels” last year turned into “A Virtual Celebration” that recapitulated highlights from previous productions. This year, Revels returns live to Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre, and it would appear that everything is back to normal. The51st annual “Christmas…

The Sleepless Critic Review: Christmas Revels 50th virtual anniversary delivers mirth, merriment, and reflection

The Sleepless Critic For what marks its 50th year, Christmas Revels has been entertaining audiences by delving into vast cultures and recreating historical moments and holiday traditions with drama, dance, humor, and song.  Christmas Revels made its debut in 1971 and though it is limited to the screen this year, this engaging…

Review: Christmas Classics – Virtual Editions and Good as New!!

The two events I recommend here are among the most joyous presentations of the season, and are just as, if not more effective in virtual form! One marks its 50th ANNIVERSARY this year, that medieval pageant celebrating the winter solstice known as THE CHRISTMAS REVELS. The second has…

Boston Globe Review: This virtual Christmas Revels is a virtual triumph

David Coffin leads the “The Sussex Mummers’ Carol,” with individual video and audio contributions edited together to give the impression of a live chorus.COURTESY OF REVELS/DIGINOVATIONS (CUSTOM CREDIT) For the 50th anniversary of The Christmas Revels, the Revels team were undoubtedly planning something special, and though “A 50th Anniversary…

Review: Christmas Revels Brings Its Special Cheer to Depression Era America

by Mike Hoban The snow fell early in Cambridge this year, reminding folks that the holiday season is indeed upon us and it’s once again time for the Christmas Revels, the non-traditional holiday family tradition that brings back folks from far and wide, year after year. Founded in…

BWW Review: THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: A Long Tradition of Community Forged Through Music

From what I can tell, The Christmas Revels is one of those much-loved traditions that people look forward to revisiting year after year, like a performance of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, or taking the kids to see Santa Claus. However, unlike those other holiday seasonal shows, the Revels is billed as a celebration of…

Theater Review: The Christmas Revels – American Version

This year’s Revels is more than a parade of Christmas songs and stories that tap deep into America’s European and African past. Now in their 49th year, The Christmas Revels is a tradition within a tradition. Each year, the show delivers Christmas-related songs and tales gleaned from a different culture,…