By Beatrice Lee, bostonese.com columnist
I feel very comfortable staying home New Year’s eve. Looks wicked cold outside 16 degrees, no wind, even though the sunshine was great. I went to the last performance of Meet Me in St. Louis in Stoneham Theatre. I am so glad that I didn’t miss this show. It’s perfect fit for this time of the year.
Cast members of Meet Me in St. Louis (photo credit: Mark S. Howard).
This heart-warming American musical is a celebration of the family, home and love based on 1944 MGM film with the same name staring Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli. The film which tells the story of an American family living in St. Louis at the time of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition World’s Fair in 1904. I know all the songs in there , such as The Trolley Song , The Boy Next-door and of course Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
I love the stage design , simple , smart , artistic ,lovely and movable between scenes . The choreographer did a fantastic job. The singing and dancing were great . I love the Victorian costumes too. The cast members were some professionals with local Emerson College graduates and Berklee college of music student.
Two time IRNE award-winning actress Sirena Abalion playing Esther Smith is from Lexington. I was told the youngest girl is a fourth-grade student in Stoneham. William Gardiner returns for his six holiday performance with Stoneham theater in the role of Grandpa Prophater (I was a little worried about him stepping on that high stepper).
This delightful stage musical with three generations under one roof, the Smith family story certainly bringing joy and happiness for all audiences.