THE HANGOVER REPORT – On Broadway, RUBEN & CLAY’S Christmas modestly-scaled show is a surprisingly sweet, endearing affair

Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in "Ruben & Clay's First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show" at the Imperial Theatre. Photo by Mark Hill.

Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken in “Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show” at the Imperial Theatre. Photo by Mark Hill.

This week, Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show opened its holiday run at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. As far as this type of entertainment goes, this one’s a solid, safe bet, especially if you are a fan of “American Idol”, Ruben Studdard, or Clay Aiken – or all of the above (which would likely be the case if you like one). It’s certainly miles better than Broadway’s holiday offering last season, the dismal Home for the Holidays which played the August Wilson Theatre.

What makes Ruben and Clay’s Christmas show an endearing experience is that it’s an affable, modestly-scaled affair. The two headliners and their sassy, perky supporting cast members – including the big-voiced Farah Alvin, Ken Arpino, Julian Diaz-Granados, La’Nette Wallace and Khaila Wilcoxon (each idiosyncratic and very good) – display real affection for Christmastime, and it’s surprisingly infectious. The evening is structured as some sort of amiable variety show, complete with silly gags and good cheer. Suffice to say, there’s nothing groundbreaking here.

The evening I attended, both Ruben and Clay were in relatively fine voice, even if they don’t sound quite as smooth or effortless as they once did. That the show succeeds is a testament to the these two entertainers’ authentically warm, easygoing stage presence, which I admit I wasn’t expecting. Each has an energy uniquely their own and when they’re onstage together, there’s palpable chemistry, respect, and love that’s really sweet to behold.

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RUBEN & CLAY’S FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL FAMILY FUN PAGEANT SPECTACULAR REUNION SHOW
Broadway, Musical/Revue
Imperial Theatre
2 hours, 10 minutes (with one intermission)
Through December 30

Categories: Broadway, Theater

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