Write a commentThe Arts Scene at CNY Art Center in Fulton presented a new original holiday music show on Saturday evening.
"UNWRAPPED," produced and hosted by local actor/musician/director Gina Mazzoli, featured a mix of upbeat interpretations of familiar Christmas tunes, a few original songs, storytelling and even some surf rock!
Bonnie McClellan and her staff at the Arts Scene at CNY Arts Center went all out for the evening's show, constructing a homey holiday-themed set with a gorgeous Christmas tree standing tall. The concession stands offered HoHoHo Hot Chocolate and delicious home-baked cookies from baker Tania Samson, and there was even a commemorative cocktail at the bar - Gina's Winter Kiss Cocktail (which was delicious!).
Gina Mazzoli said that the show was being produced as a benefit for the CNY Arts Center, as all the performers and crew were volunteering their time to put on the event.
The evening got off to a great start with a rousing version of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" featuring Gina Mazzoli on vocals backed by The Underwater Bosses, a surf rock trio from the Syracuse area.
Mazzoli remained at the mic for the next act, where she was joined by her regular cohort from Whiskey Spirits, Tim Nekritz. Accompanied by Tim's lap steel guitar, Gina performed George Michael's "Last Christmas", then the duo segued into the Eartha Kitt classic, "Santa Baby."
The next visitors to the the stage were Santa and Mrs. Claus, (also known as Joe and Jane Schuessler), who sang a beautiful version of "Silent Night." They then shifted gears to a back and forth duet on "Baby It's Cold Outside."
Next up were Sarah Galvin, Katie Donovan and Maggie Fitzsimmons who perform as The Good Night Ladies. Their version of the 1960's classic "Please Christmas Don't Be Late" by Alvin and the Chipmunks was letter-perfect. The Ladies brought down the house though with their original tribute to the hometown food scene, "The Twelve Days of Fulton." After rattling off such local delicious favorites as hot dogs from Shannon's, Mr. Mike's onion rings, and breakfast pizza from The Pit Stop, the twelfth day brought gummies from Leafy Wonders to close out the song on a "high note."
Cindy Lou Who and Max the Dog came all the way from Who-ville to perform a touching "Where Are You Christmas?" The characters, who were actually Dan Williams and Korrie Taylor, then sang "Somewhere That's Green" from the musical Little Shop of Horrors.
Gina Mazzoli and her dancing elves (Babette Dunham and Madison Pepper) came back onstage to perform "Walking In A Winter Wonderland" while tossing snowballs into the crowd. They then sang "Holly Jolly Christmas" before being scared off the stage by the one and only Mr. Grinch.
The Grinch picked his musicians for his band right out of the audience, and they swung into a modern rock version of "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch." The Grinch and those audience members turned out to be The Josh Taylor Project, and they did a great job on Radiohead's "Creep" along with holiday favorites "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and "Please Come Home For Christmas."
A short intermission followed.
The second set opened with headliners The Underwater Bosses on stage performing with guest vocalist Kim Vogt on a rollicking Beatles tune. The Bosses - Greg Bresset, Chris Stewart and Robert Breen - are a Syracuse-area trio who have released several albums of primarily instrumental surf guitar music reminiscent of The Beach Boys, The Ventures, and Dick Dale.
The band played several seasonal favorites with a surf rock twist, such as The Beach Boys' "Little St. Nick" as well as "Jingle Bell Rock" and "The Little Drummer Boy."
Eve Philips then came to the microphone to regale the audience with the legend of the evil Krampus, who is said to have traveled with St. Nicholas in old-time European Christmas legend. Of course, once she finished the story, who should appear but Krampus himself, to put a little scare into the holidays.
The Underwater Bosses came back onstage for several more numbers, including the original song, "Yule Ride," "God Rest Ye Gnarly Gentlemen," and "Sleighride."
All the performers returned to the stage for a sing-and-dance along finale to close out a thoroughly enjoyable evening of holiday cheer. I had a great time, and the entire audience seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the show. This show was produced by Gina Mazzoli and Nick Gentile, and I look forward to seeing more of these variety-show style performances in the future.
iHeartOswego rates UNWRAPPED two thumbs up - Merry Christmas everyone!!!
