by Paul Torres - SGN A&E Writer

ARTSWEST HOLIDAY CAST PARTY
ARTSWEST
December 9
(continues through 12/23)

The talents of ArtsWest are celebrating the holidays with jazz, sassiness, and warmth. Artistic Director Mathew Wright hosted an evening of cabaret with his friends Ann Cornelius (Angry Housewives, The Nance) and Nicholas Tarabini (American Idiot, Peter and the Starcatcher) on Saturday, December 9. (See the ArtsWest's website for the remaining schedule of special guest performers.)

An absolute Christmas-giddy Tarabini sang a rousing 'Believe' from The Polar Express film and Mariah Carey's standard 'All I Want for Christmas is You' which was lovingly dedicated to his beau, Mathew Wright. This romantic feel lifted the spirits of the audience. They lovingly revealed that they have two Christmas trees for their two-room apartment.

A delightful Ann Cornelius belted out a jazzy 'Let it Snow' and a nostalgia-tinged 'I'll Be Home for Christmas,' which struck sentimental chords in all of us. Pianist Chris DeStefano played Paul Shaffer to Wright's Letterman in traditional talk show banter that fittingly included a corny Top Ten List. Wright even took a couple playful jabs at fellow director Eric Ankrim whose robust productions of American Idiot and Peter and the Starcatcher were highlights of past seasons.

The cast also welcomed audience members to play Christmas-themed trivia and picture games on stage. All the original material in the show is credited to Justin Huertas. The evening was full of cheer and sweet soulfulness capped with Wright, crew, and audience all singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.'

It's a wonderful time to spend with friends with the talented members of ArtsWest beyond the scenes and stagecraft and deep into the true heart of the holiday season.

For more information, visit http://www.artswest.org/ or call the Box Office at 206-938-0339. ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery is located at 4711 California Ave SW in the Alaska Junction and is easily accessible by Metro bus on the Rapid Ride C line as well as routes 22, 37, 50, 55, 57, 128 and the ST560.

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