N.Y. vibe makes it sparkle

Christmas in New York draws on the talents of 150 performers in a revue Monday in Hudson.

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Arts and Entertainment
Published December 14, 2007

Matthew Romeo and Alicia Randazzo, tap dancing students at John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts, rehearse for the show.
	[Mike Carlson]

ADVERTISEMENT [Mike Carlson] Great gams, almighty: Tap dancers from John Leggio's center practice a number for the nearly two-hour Christmas in New York. [Mike Carlson] Hats off to Emily Kleiner, foreground, and other young folks hoofing it in holiday-hoedown style.

New York is the largest city in the United States, so it is fitting that the musical Christmas in New York would have the largest cast of any holiday show in the area.

"We have 150 in the show," said John Leggio, a former Broadway dancer whose John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts in Spring Hill is doing the show.

The cast includes the studio's students and faculty. The faculty includes several professionals from the Show Palace Dinner Theatre: artistic director Matthew McGee (Greater Tuna, The Odd Couple), resident choreographer Katie Kerwin (Chicago) and dancer Stefani Wells (A Show Palace Christmas).

Also in the show is singer Susan Falcone, who is featured each month at Richey Suncoast Theatre in the music specials Cover to Cover.

The Show Palace's award-winning scenic designer, Tom Hansen, is doing the lights and sets.

Leggio's studio has become well known for its lavish productions, with multiple costumes and professional-level acts, and the owner says this show is no exception.

"The show is a variety revue, with the theme a stroll through New York City," Leggio said.

One scene is a toy shop, where Leggio's students do seven numbers using different, and sometimes unexpected, dance styles. Babes in Toyland, for example, is a ballet.

There are several numbers with a spiritual or religious theme.

"And, of course, we have a Rockefeller Center Santa," Leggio said.

The show is about two hours, 20 minutes long, including the intermission, Leggio said.

If you go: Christmas in New York
7 p.m. Monday at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road (between Hudson Avenue and State Road 52), Hudson. Tickets are $15. Call (352) 683-8395 between noon and 6 p.m. or buy at the door.

[Last modified December 14, 2007, 01:29:13]