Written by Charles Busch and starring the velvet-voiced Velma Celli, Times Square Angel is the best Christmas show this reviewer has seen so far this year.
Playing in the beautiful and bijou Union Theatre, this is a glitzy twist on A Christmas Carol crossed with Scrooge with a La Cage aux Folles feel, set in 1940’s Manhattan. The show centres around a bitter and egotistical cabaret club performer, Irish O’Flanagan (absolutely love the name), played by Velma Celli. In the same vein as A Christmas Carol, Irish is visited by an angel, however in this tale the apparition comes in the form of a vaudevillian performer called Albert who transports her to her past and future. A future that if she doesn’t change dramatically could end in catastrophe.
Let’s start at the very beginning (as Mary Poppins once said): the first part of the show sets up for a compelling story, that whilst comedic in places, thanks mostly to Irish and Georgie, is also totally gripping. The lighting is perfect and the wardrobe is of exquisite quality and in keeping with the 40s period.
Velma leads a stellar cast, and boy does she have a voice on her. Singing ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ note perfect like a mesmerising chanteuse was one of the highlights of the show for me. It would have been such a joy to hear more of that voice.
Eduardo Enrikez who plays Chick, the menacing New York mobster, and Georgie, the South American fey friend of Irish (think Agador in The Birdcage and you’re there) excels in two VERY different roles. Impressive acting, versatility and stage presence is displayed by Enrikez throughout.
Some added touches that I loved too include the hilarious line “She was the Hitler of cabaret”, the wide-eyed and homely narration from Ellen Verenieks and the fact that Jimmy the paperboy was played by a woman, with dewy-eyes and a brilliantly mawkish tone.
The whole cast and creative team should be very proud of this production. It left this seasonal cynic feeling all festive and fuzzy, with an uplifting finale that had the whole audience smiling.
• The Green Bay Tree, Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, SW17 6ST. Runs to 21st December. Tues – Sat, 7.30pm. Saturday & Sundays, 2.30pm. £20 & £17 concs. www.uniontheatre.biz
