Each year the Princess Theatre Foundation, along with the whole area, looks forward to the annual Dr. Eric Littleton Christmas Concert.
His show is always full of music, history, and his own
brand of humor. The audience listens attentively to the accomplished
pianist's unique compositions and blended melodies. He tends to play interestingly with every traditional tune, and the journey takes
delightful twists and turns through notes that finally roll back into
the familiar song.
Whereas one might become bored with
all the familiar notes, Dr. Littleton's performances keep you wondering
what's coming next, and they morph into more complex pieces every year. He even created a little Star Wars theme last evening inside one
old Christmas song, and surprised and pleased everyone. I'm not at all sure Dr. Littleton knows exactly how and where he will exit each song, which makes it interesting and fun for him as well!
Littleton always brings us his Christmas memories, and into his personal relationships with his family. While home movies and stills from Christmases past played out on the screen above his head, he played the songs that were special to him during those years.
It was especially hard this year to talk about his family, because he lost his dad this past summer. However, he, like a lot of us that knew his dad, will always remember this particular slide with fond memories, and of Jim's Sunbeam bread truck rolling around the area. The driver always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting.
Usually, his special guest is Muse Watson, who reads a Christmas story on stage to children called up from the audience. This year's story of choice was the "Cajun Night Before Christmas", by Howard Jacobs. The audience really got enjoyment from Watson's Cajun accent, but some of the younger children seemed a little puzzled at times!
Last night Muse again surprised the audience by singing a little from "Silent Night"! He really does have a nice voice...after all, he started out in music.
Backstage, Muse had a special "meet and greet" with the Viar family, Rob and April, who had let it be known that their son Jacob had a long standing wish to meet his hero "Mike Franks" of NCIS. I was blessed by being there when Muse came into the Green Room, where the unsuspecting Jacob waited. His eyes opened wide as he recognized his TV hero, and then he smiled from ear-to-ear. It was quite moving, and Muse loves nothing better than pleasing his special fan base!
Like his grandmother (Gloria), we look forward all year to Caleb Littleton accompanying his father on "Little Drummer Boy" with his cajón (drum box). Dr. Littleton loves to have his talented son on stage with him; and he poked a little fun at his red bow-tie!
So, we all went away with a Christmas song in our heads, and a little more Christmas love in our hearts. Hope you join us next year!
Oh yes, we must thank Janet Gasperetii for donating the beautiful Yamaha piano a couple of years ago. It will bring a lot of us many moments of joy for years to come.
Here are some other photos from Friday's performance:
MERRY CHRISTMAS Ya'll!
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