Cori Cable Kidder’s Holiday Spectacular: A 1940s Christmas Revue
By Judy Shields
Sierra Madre, California (The Hollywood Times) 11/27/2023 – “I always wanted to do a USO-inspired show and I took the reins and her I am.” Cori Cable Kidder told the Hollywood Times about her new military-themed holiday concert.
There is nothing like starting the holiday seasons with a wonderful holiday concert and especially the day after Thanksgiving.
On Friday, November 24 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse there was the beginning of a new original WWII-era military-themed holiday concert, which will be playing on the stage at the Sierra Madre playhouse NOW through December 23! Starring Cori Cable Kidder, with Sean Paxton and his live combo. Musical direction by Sean Paxton. Presented by Sierra Madre Playhouse.
This 1940s military-themed holiday concert is one Not to be missed. From the military outfit that Cori Cable Kidder comes out on the stage with, which is the uniforms worn by the women in the army and Cori said they were worn by Women’s Army Corps (WAC). It was established in September 1943. She sure wore it well and would have made her grandpa proud!
The particular decade was a rich one for memorable songs remembered fondly decades later. The first half of the decade reflected the fact that so many of our brave young men and women were overseas, fighting to ensure that a free America would endure. The second half of the Forties celebrated an American flush with victory, with a booming economy, a booming population and a vision of an ever-brighter future. The music was performed by crooners, small combos and big bands.
Cori Cable Kidder (Always…Patsy Cline (2015), Pump Boys and Dinettes (2018), A Patsy Cline Holiday Concert (2022)) will be performing military and holiday classics of the 40s in these concert performances, with live musical accompaniment by Sean Paxton on piano and a 3-piece band, which includes Dave Valentine on sax and clarinet, Mike Flick on bass and Jim Miller on Drums. Let me tell you, those guys really made the music come to life and they enjoyed themselves.
The music they performed behind the amazing Cori, who sang all the songs from the war, like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, performed by the The Andrews Sisters in 1941, We’ll Meet Again performed by Vera Lynn in the 1943 musical film We’ll Meet Again and I’ll Be Seeing You, Billie Holiday song from 1944, which Cori mentioned she liked the Rosemary Clooney version. A homecoming song It’s Been a Long, Long Time performed by Bing Crosby in 1945. Then of course the Holiday songs of White Christmas written by Irvin Berlin in 1942 and sung by Bing Crosby, The Christmas Song, written by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé and sung by Nat King Cole trio in 1946 and Let It Snow written by Sammy Cahn and Julie Styne in 1945 and recorded by Vaughn Monroe.
I can’t wait until she puts these songs on an album for the world to enjoy!
Cori had a couple of wardrobe changes, like a beautiful red dress with silk red long gloves. She said she could move freely in that outfit, which had a long skirt that was removed to reveal a one-piece snazzy, get your attention red with fringe and rhinestones. Great costume choices Cori.
After an intermission she come out in a beautiful black velvet evening gown with white satin gloves.
You will find yourself snapping your fingers, tapping both feet and even the thought of jumping in the aisle to dance with a partner, which I found myself wanting to do just that, but chickened out! Let’s talk about tapping your feet, Cori did an amazing job tap dancing and this alone, made the show as well. So awesome to see and hear tap dancing.
The Hollywood Times had the opportunity to speak with Cori about her new holiday spectacular. This is what she had to say about her show: “I hope to remind people of their childhood, to remind people of their parents and grandparents. I just hope that it’s a 2-hour journey away from all your troubles and your strife.” (great Jungle Book – The Bare Necessities reference).
Enjoy our conversation:
Cori talked about her grandfather and their affinity for World War II, the good things of course. She talked about being herself and adding some personal material to the show.
This is a wonderful play to bring your grandparents to enjoy the music of the 1940s. It is a great date night concert for the love of your life to enjoy as well. There are many restaurants across the street for a pre-show dinner. You can also bring those teenagers if you can get them away from their video games or cellphone. LOL! There is a Teen Ticket (ages 13-19) available at $5 through the TeenTix Pass program. Bring the whole family and make it a memorable holiday event.
Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre CA 91024
November 24 – December 23, 2023, Friday & Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm
Admission: $45. Seniors (65+) $40. Youth (21 and under) $25.
Discounts: Teen tickets (ag 13-19) are available at $5 through the TeenTix Pass program. Reservations: (626) 355-4318
http://sierramadreplayhouse.org
Cori Cable Kidder is the favorite singing star of Sierra Madre Playhouse. First introduced to the playhouse in 2015, when she played an extended run in the title role of Always…Patsy Cline to capacity audiences and garnered herself an Ovation Award nomination. She returned in 2018 in Pump Boy and Dinettes and as Patsy Cline again in 2022 in A Patsy Cline Holiday concert, once more playing to a sold-out house.
The playhouse suggest that you purchase your tickets early. Based on Ms. Kidder’s popularity with the audience, some sold-out dates are anticipated.
There was an after-party celebration and Cori herself came out to talk with those that stuck around to help her celebrate opening night. David Gordon, Sierra Madre Playhouse’s board president gave the toast and said, “You’ve been Patsy Cline, and we want people to start knowing you as you.” Cori does come out after the show, so stick around to say hello and ask her some questions and tell her what you enjoyed about the show.
board president, David Gordon
About Cori Cable Kidder
Cori Cable Kidder was born in Arkansas and graduated from Ouachita Baptist University. Her numerous musical theatre credits include in Hello, Dolly!; The Full Monty; The Producers; Titanic; Chicago; Anything Goes; Mame; Damn Yankees and so much more. She is also a choreographer.
Other favorite credits: Mamma Mia! Broadway Farewell Tour (Donna & Rose u/s); In the Mood: 1940’s Big Band Review International Tour; The Diamond Horseshoe at Tokyo Disneyland. TV: Children’s Hospital (Cartoon Network). Cori is a member of The Actor’s Studio and has studied with The Groundlings and at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She is the resident Sunday evening vocalist at Escape Hotel Hollywood. www.CORICABLE.COM
Sean Paxton’s previous shows at Sierra Madre Playhouse include A Patsy Cline Holiday Concert, Always…Patsy Cline; Pump Boys and Dinettes; Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)’ Dames at Sea; and The Marvelous Wonderettes. He also composed original music for our productions of Deathtrap and Stuart Little. A graduate of USC School of Music, he is an ASCAP Award-wining composer.
