At the Sleigh Wash!

Whoa Whoa Whoa – At the Sleigh Wash Yeah!

Dancing Reindeer and Oompa Loompa like things
These were a few of my favorite things…

Prestonwood Baptist Church Christmas play was a montage of music and dance that reminded me of Cirque De Soleil meets Dancing with the Stars meets Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir meets The Passion of The Christ. Yes, there really was THAT MUCH going on.

With over 1000 volunteers you can imagine how big of a production this play was. It started with a 30 minute intro that included elves miraculously appearing out of the ceiling and spiraling down on ropes, Santa coming down from the sky in his sleigh, and dancing and singing reindeer with really, really good vocals. At one point I actually thought they had Christina Aguilera in one of those reindeer costumes – she was that good.

The costumes and dancing during the intro were Broadway quality. I couldn’t believe hte color and the attention to detail. There was so much color and the cosutmes were so intense I couldn’t help but think of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

There were also allusions to Elf the movie and Buddy the Elf made an appearance and even said “Santa – I KNOW HIM!” Which is one of my favorite lines from the movie.

After the Pagan intro (Santa and Elves, I call it like I see it) we got to listen to about 300 people singing Christmas carols. The men were dressed in Tuxedos and the women were weearing these sparkly gold dresses that looked very formal and very pretty. This was the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir part – minus the soul. It was very pretty, but as a 30 year old man I have to say this part was a bit of a snorefest.

Finally we got to the part I was expecting – the Birth of Jesus! Hundreds of people came in with lit candles to see the birth of Jesus. The Three Kings of Orient who were bearing gifts showed up on Camels and dressed in the most amazing robes that anyone could imagine. The fabric for this scene alone probably cost 5000 dollars. It was probably the most moving part of the play.

Overall I give the show a 6 out of 10. For production and set design and costume design they get a 12 out of 10, but the overall performance lacked real depth and emotion, I wasn’t moved like I normally am in plays where they show the crucifixion of Christ.

The show was nice, but really, when it comes right down to it, I was just happy to be sitting next to Cat, holding her hand. We could have been watching paint dry on the wall and I would have been happy.

Merry Christmas!