Review: Welk’s Christmas show a treat for all

By Elizabeth Marie Himchak

The Welk’s new holiday show successfully combines a few well-known veterans from the long-running television show with a new generation of performers.

Continuing through Dec. 29, “A Welk Family Christmas” is a treat for all, whether fans of the iconic television show or those who just want to get into the holiday spirit as it is filled with classic holiday numbers, some likely less-familiar offerings plus a few less-holiday related but special numbers that let the Welk veterans prove to attendees that they still are a joy to watch.

Among the latter is tap dancing legend Arthur Duncan, who at age 80 is still light and fast on his feet and was memorable to see dancing in person. He became known to television show viewers when performing from 1964 to 1982 and during the multitude of weekly re-runs that still air on PBS each Saturday night.

Duncan’s talent is showcased in “Art’s Act” toward the end of Act 1 in which he sings several songs plus tap dances at least three numbers. He also joins the company toward the end of the show and is scheduled to perform throughout the production’s entire run. He received a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience on Nov. 29 after his solo performance.

Through Dec. 8, Mary Lou Metzger performed many solo numbers in both acts, primarily singing but she also showed the audience she is still a dancer, too. Metzger, a joy to watch on stage — especially in the “I Wanna Be a Rockette” number — joined the television show in 1970 and has remained involved with its PBS airings over the decades.

Starting this week and continuing through the show’s final performance on Dec. 29, Welk veteran Ava Barber takes Metzger’s place among the cast. Barber was hired as a country singer on the “Lawrence Welk Show” in 1974 and remained through 1982.

The stage show pays homage to its inspirational leader, the late Lawrence Welk, when Metzger and Barber sing “May You Always,” a song associated with the television show as some of its clips are projected on screens.

As for the eight company members, they are well on their way to successful careers. They sang, danced and acted out a variety of numbers, several in Act 1 had a country flare while those in Act 2 were based in a ‘50s diner setting.

Among standout performances were Lucas Coleman and Nicole Renee Chapman’s rendition of “Little Red Hat,” a high-energy, animated number. Joseph Almohaya’s performance of “White Christmas” was also noteworthy.

“A Welk Family Christmas” can be seen at 1 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays through Dec. 29. Tickets start at $55 and an optional buffet starting at $18 is available prior to some shows.

For tickets, call 888-802-7469 or go to

www.welkresorts.com

1. The Welk Resort is at 8600 Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido.