Welk’s ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ is charming holiday fare

If you’re looking for only a touch of holiday nostalgia, then the charming musical about an early 20th century Missouri family looking forward to the World’s Fair coming to St. Louis is for you.

Welk Resorts Theatre is presenting the well-acted, sung and danced “Meet Me in St. Louis” through Jan. 31 in Escondido.

The story takes place in 1903 St. Louis, focusing on the Smith family — parents Alonso and Anna; their children Lon, Esther, Rose, Agnes and Tootie; Grandpa Prophater; and family maid, Katie. Lon, Esther and Rose are teenagers who have their share of romantic woes while the younger two girls revel in mischief whenever possible.

Their world gets turned upside down when Alonso announces in the fall that right after Christmas the family will be moving to New York City because of his job promotion, news that is especially upsetting to Esther and Rose since the boys they hope to marry are in Missouri. In addition, the move puts in jeopardy the family’s plans to attend the 1904 World’s Fair that is coming to St. Louis.

The stage version is based on the 1944 MGM movie and features some of its most memorable songs, namely “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Trolley Song.”

The Welk’s 20-member cast excels in the production. Chelsea Emma Franko is well-cast as Esther, whose voice is well-suited for and showcased in songs like “The Boy Next Door” and the previously mentioned tunes.

Stealing the show are the two youngest cast members, Katelyn Katz as Agnes and Maxine Sutton as Tootie. Their antics are a riot, and Sutton is especially memorable in her part, successfully delivering lines that set many in the audience laughing during opening night.

Though Franko and Luke Monday, cast as her love-interest John Truitt, are the leads, this production really comes across as an ensemble show, with all the main characters getting their opportunity to shine. This includes Susan E.V. Boland (as Katie) teaching the older girls a thing or two about romance in “A Touch of the Irish,” plus Wendy Waddell and Eric Hellmers (as Anna and Alonso) in “Wasn’t it Fun?”

The show’s ensemble dance numbers choreographed by Karl Warden are especially impressive and add much to the production. They were often led by Fisher Kaake (as Lon), such as “Skip to my Lou” and “The Banjo.” Other notably cute numbers were “Whenever I’m With You,” “Under the Bamboo Tree” and “The Trolley Song.”

In all, this latest offering by the Welk is a charming escape from the hustle bustle of today’s world. To younger audience members, it could also be an eye-opening look at life more than 100 years ago, when something as commonplace as a long-distance phone call today was a big deal back then, and there was practically no possibility of having a private phone conversation not being overheard by one’s entire family.

The family-oriented “Meet Me in St. Louis” can be seen in matinee and evening performances through Jan. 31, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Tickets start at $58 (prices decrease by $10 starting in January), with youth and group discounts available. There is an optional buffet starting at $19 offered before select performances. Purchase at welkresorts.com or by calling the box office at 888-802-7469.

The Welk Resorts is at 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido. Parking is free.