Jerry Herman wrote "We need a little Christmas, right this very minute!".

Every year that seems to get truer and truer. By the time the end of November rolls around, my need for the holidays is at a breaking point. It seems that as the years get busier and crazier (2005 was a doozy!), it's more and more important to hibernate and chill with family and friends, to slow down the pace and just enjoy each other's company.

Of course, an excuse to watch the two greatest movie musicals of all time -- White Christmas and Holiday Inn -- is also in order. And watching some of the greatest TV musicals (Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Year Without a Santa Claus, The Little Drummer Boy, Charlie Brown Christmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas -- the animated original, NOT Jim Carrey's abomination) is definitely a key part of the celebrations.

I grew up watching Rudolph and that is one great musical. Rankin and Bass created an incredibly enduring piece of popular entertainment. As a musical theater writer, it is reassuring to know that people still think it is acceptable for a reindeer to burst out into song for no reason! I was watching the DVD of Rudolph on Christmas Eve and in the special features they talk about how the show made its debut in 1964 with Herme and Rudolph singing "We're A Couple of Misfits" and then it was re-issued in 1965 with the two of them singing "Fame and Fortune". I seem to remember watching both versions over the years. Oh well, either way it is a wonderful musical!

So pop some popcorn, settle down with a classic holiday musical and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends! And if you've been really good all year long, there might even be some Jersey Boys in your stocking on Christmas morning!

Technorati tags: Broadway Music Movie Musicals Musicals Blog Blogs Theater Theatre Entertainment