Mary WIlson, of the famed Supremes, and The Four Tops rocked in their Christmas spectacular at the Harris Theater in Chicago. Opening was the night before Christmas Eve, December 23. The show plays until January 5.
The show is a mixed bag of authentic Motown music varied with Christmas music -- just enough to bring the cheer of the season and make you forget the sub-zero chill outside.
In old school tradition, they own the stage and dress for the occasion with multiple sparkling costume changes. They stand still on the stage, they dance a bit, the 12-piece orchestra plays and makes for a great show that audiences beg for these days.
No one swings from the ceiling; no electronics. The real thing is before you. The musical blend is beautiful. The highlight and treat of the show is Duke Fakir, the remaining original member of The Four Tops and Mary Wilson romantically singing "Baby, It's Cold Outside." The single duet begs for more of just sexy Duke and Mary. Duke puts on his velvet smoking jacket for this song and you just want to turn on the fireplace and grab the champagne and just listen.
The mix of music is old school hits for Mary from the Supremes days like "Baby Love, "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Stop, In the Name of Love." As she the hits it, the background screen shows the Supremes in their hey day, Diana included. The multimedia is a perfect touch. For some, it make us remember and for a younger crowd, it is a moment of "once upon a time."
A surprise and highlight of the evening is Mary singing from the Dream Girls production, "I'm Changing." Another surprise is a jazzy Four Tops, with scat and all, performing "In the Still of the Night."
The songbook is fabulous; Mary is glamorous; and Duke is sexy. They still have it and can teach how to put on a show. Don't miss it. The wow factor is intact --a perfect Christmas gift to top the season.