REVIEW: Honky Tonk Angels kick up festive heels

By Diana Nollen

AMANA - The Old Creamery Theatre is staging a spectacular holiday show, starring four Honky Tonk Angels and five top-flight instrumentalists.

This show, created by the writer of the perennially popular “Always ... Patsy Cline,” has all the elements of a winning revue, with just enough story to get you cozy with the characters.

The Angels are playing their favorite venue, The Honky Tonk Heaven in Nashville, Tenn. They begin as a trio and soon swell to a quartet as Santa arrives with a brand-new bag.

All four angels are stellar on their own and heavenly when they harmonize. Each brings a different flavor to the mix.

Sara Michelle Bickweat plays country girl Darlene with a megawatt smile, killer high kicks and vocals to match. She's a hoot on “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” and brought tears to my eyes on “What a Wonderful World.”

While those might not be on your traditional Christmas carol list, they fit perfectly with the tone of a show that's fun, funny and sentimental.

Emily Bodkin is the visual punch as Angela, the fourth angel who arrives a bit late from her double-wide trailer in Texas, due to extenuating circumstances revealed in the show. She also has a big voice and a real flair for physical comedy. She's especially hilarious on “Burnin' Love,” with a little help from the three kings.

Faith Boles as Charilee brings the Motown sound to the angels, tearing through several gospel numbers. Another versatile performer, she can bring a laugh with some snappin' attitude, but just as quickly melt the audience with her soulful “Silent Night” and “Merry Christmas Baby.”

Old Creamery veteran Deborah Kennedy adds her spice as Sue Ellen, the “Texas Chainsaw Manicurist” transplanted to sunny California. Her rich voice is wonderful when she's singing in a serious mode, but she brought down the house at Friday's matinee with her “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” shtick.

The costumes are colorful, the set is nostalgic and the choreography adds some boot-scootin' boogie to a show that begins with a glorious “Angels We Have Heard on High” and ends with a honky-tonk take on “Joy to the World.”

“The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular” continues through Dec. 20 and tickets are flying faster than Rudolph. For details, call 1-(800) 35-AMANA or go to www. oldcreamery.com

FAST TAKETickets: $26.50 adults; $17.50 under age 30, through 1-(800) 35-AMANA, (319) 622-6194 or www.oldcreamery.com

What: “The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular”

Where:  The Old Creamery Theatre, 39 38th Ave., Amana

When: Through Dec. 20; 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; special 3 p.m. matinee Dec. 11