As I mentioned when I chatted with the cast of We Need a Lot of Christmas for my latest Rapid Fire 20Q, the show’s title is 100% accurate. We DO indeed need a Lot of Christmas, especially after the past months we’ve all endured. What’s more, after attending an opening weekend performance of Fiddle Dee Farms’ current dinner show (on stage through December 31 at the farm’s beautifully decorated Barn, located at 7526 Swift Road, Greenbrier, TN 37073) I can certainly attest that the eight-member ensemble and resident magician do indeed deliver the goods.
With a delicious meal kicking off the night and more than three dozen musical numbers, dancing, singing, sketches—both comedic and heart-tugging—and magic tricks peppered throughout, Fiddle Dee Farms’ We Need a Lot of Christmas is a holiday gift so big even that Jolly Ole Elf couldn’t fit it in his sack.
Upon arriving at Fiddle Dee Farms (located just about 25 minutes from Downtown Nashville), I first noticed the Christmas lights decorating the entrance. Closer inspection revealed a couple of festively trimmed trees and a bench perfect for that impromptu Christmas card photo op while you waiting in the late-fall air to be escorted inside The Barn at Fiddle Dee Farms to your table.
Anyone who knows me, knows that 1954’s White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen is my absolute favorite holiday film. It’s more recent stage adaptation, my favorite holiday stage musical, so you can image my giddiness when I entered The Barn at Fiddle Dee Farms to see it completely covered in garland, lights, evergreens, trees flocked with snow and glitter and gorgeously a breathtaking resplendence of Christmas, just like the final scene in the film.
Once seated, we were directed to the buffet where the staff of The Bakery Box, caterers of the dinner portion of the evening, buzz around like elves in Santa’s Toy Shop making sure the guests get their choice of Apple Chutney-glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin or Spinach Stuffed Chicken with sides of Au Gratin Potatoes, Green Beans with Almonds, a Salad and Dinner Roll. I opted for the Chicken and after the meal, it wasn’t the only thing that was stuffed. Huge portions, and so tasty, too. After dinner, guests are invited to visit the dessert bar which contains a selection sweets. I chose the Chocolate Chess Pie and never regretted it for a moment.
Following the dinner hour, it’s time to settle in for the show, and what a show it wis. Produced by husband and wife team, Barry and Dari Anne Amato, who are also among the cast of talented singer, dancers and performers, the show also features a bevy of talented folks including: Curtis Reed, Charlynn Grace Carter-Lotto, Billy Ditty, Jenny Norris, Jordan Long, Amanda Disney and Magician Bruce Amato. We Need a Lot of Christmas rivals anything you see at Radio City Music Hall, on a National Tour, or, to put it in terms to which we locals can definitely relate, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge…or for those who remember it, Opryland USA. That last reference should be no real surprise for those who know the Amatos, as the two actually met while appearing at Opryland and they’ve also mounted many shows in Pigeon Forge.
As mentioned earlier, the show features more than three dozen musical numbers, a list of which might be as lengthy as Santa’s Naughty and Nice tallies. That said, part of the fun of seeing this all-new production during its inaugural season is not knowing exactly what all songs to expect. To that end, I won’t give you my usual track-by-track rundown of the show. Instead, here’s a few of my personal favorite moments.
Of course the opening sequence is spectacular. Outfitted in festive attire ,the entire cast takes to the stage for a medley including a slightly altered version of We Need a Little Christmas. For this show, and this world we’re living in, the lyrical switch reiterates the fact that We Need a Lot of Christmas. The all-in medley continues with Man With the Bag, Most Wonderful Time of the Year and concludes with a titular reprise. Of course the tune, in its original form is from my other favorite holiday movie, Lucille Ball’s Mame. Don’t come for me with “It’s not really a Christmas movie” or “Auntie Mame, starring Rosalind Russell is the far superior version of that story”. Them’s fighting words, but I digress.
While I’ve mentioned the set decoration, the food and the talent, I must also mention the wardrobe. We Need a Lot of Christmas is chocked full of costume changes. More than half a dozen different looks for each cast member. Each of them perfectly mirroring the moment, from the craziness clothing choices of a Zoom call to Christmas toys come to life. But the most spectacular of the costuming are showcased when the entire cast is on stage in coordinating looks. Everything from Christmas bling to Buffalo Plaid, from Winter White to Tuxes & Tails, Evening Gowns and more.
A couple more mood-setting tunes and the show’s first magic trick of the evening. Of Bruce Amato’s magic tricks, they’re just complicated enough to have the audience guessing how he does it. Amato proves himself a seasoned showman. His presentation, engaging smile and movement, thoroughly engaging.
Next up, a bit of relatable levity by way of the night’s first sketch, centering ‘round the now all-too-familiar, and aforementioned Zoom call. Barry Amato is seen checking in on everyone at his laptop while the rest of the cast appears onstage holding black frames, replicating the look of being on a computer screen. Anyone who’s participating in a video conference during these last several months will surely chuckle at the sight of some attendees wearing pajama bottoms, while others struggle with the mute button, noisy kids in the background, and even sleep deprivation due to taking on an addition gig. Of course there’s also that one guy who’s fully dressed—tie and everything—and still another who has opted to not share their camera view.
That unseen participant in the Zoom skit just happened to be cast member Amanda Disney, making her professional debut after a lifetime of being onstage in school show, regional productions and community theatre, and what a debut it is, for she’s the night’s first soloist as she performs Underneath the Tree. Aptly named, Disney look like…well…a Disney Princess to come life. Snow White to be specific, with her raven locks, bright eyes and ruby red lips, and a voice to match.
Disney’s solo leads into the show’s next segment, for you see, each grouping of songs is carefully thought out and presenting with cohesive themes. This next section is all about snow. It also features most of the remaining cast members in stand-out solo vocals, as do most segments throughout the night. This seems like a good time to delve further into this. All too often I’ve seen ensemble shows that don’t hold up the true ideal of an ensemble cast, but rather feature one or two performers heavily and relegate the remainder to backing vocals. This is not the case with We Need a Lot of Christmas. Perhaps because of their Opryland roots and the inherent ensemble nature of those shows, the Amatos do a remarkable job of highlighting each and every member of the cast’s strength as a performer while seemingly effortlessly also bringing them all together for some truly beautiful moments.
Case in point, the Snow Section includes an all-in version of Snow, a tune from my festive film favorite, White Christmas.I don’t know what it is about this simple little tune that includes some great harmonies, but it makes my cold, dark heart simply melt, just as it did when I heard this cast perform it.
On the topic of solos, Billy Ditty’s Winter Wonderland was another bright spot in the snow segment. As fabulous a dancer as he is a singer, Ditty can croon a tune while tripping the light fantastic in a manner reminiscent of Gene Kelly and the like.
If Ditty stirs visions of Gene Kelly, Jordan Long might easily be compared to more contemporary crooners like Harry Connick, Jr. or Michael Buble as he warms up the chill in the air with Let It Snow.
Keeping the snowy theme going, Jenny Norris gets in on the action with Do You Wanna Build a Snowman. Full Confession: Yes, I know it’s from Frozen, but I’ve still never seen it, not the sequel, or even the Olaf shorts and specials. But let me say this…after hearing Norris’ inviting take, I just might have to see the film this holiday season.
Also featured as a solo vocalist in this segment is Curtis Reed, another skilled singer and dancer. He’s also quite the comedian, as witnessed in strangely fitting 90s rap, Ice Ice Baby…complete with a frosty wig, shimmering wardrobe and minor adjustments to the lyrics befitting the holiday season.
Charlynn Grace Carter-Lotto gets in on the fun with the show’s next sketch, as she presents a befuddled Mom trying her hand at Christmas crafting. This leads into the Toy Section of the show. Magician Bruce Amato, with the help of Jenny Norris invites the audience into a world of Pure Imagination dressed as a cross between Rainbow Bright and a marionette. This section features a few expected elements, everyone in on a rendition of Toyland, namely, but there’s also a few surprises and in the interest of keeping them that way, all I can say is Charlynn Grace Carter-Lotto gives us Toy Story Cowgirl Jesse realness, Jordan Long is super, Curtis Reed is plum fantastic, nobody’s gonna wanna keep the Amatos on the shelf and fans of the mid-century animated holiday classics by Rankin-Bass are sure to get a smile from the Isle.
Yet another magical moment courtesy Bruce Amato transitions the audience to the Hollywood Movie Musical Section of the show, and Yes, checking something off my personal Christmas wish list, they all sing White Christmas and The Best Things Happen While Your Dancing from White Christmas during this section. I can’t help it! Lotto and Long take the lead vocally during this song, while the remaining cast of Disney, Reed, Norris, Ditty, and the Amatos gracefully glide across the floor proving the best things do indeed happen while you dance.
Dari Anne Amato’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is yet another highlight during this section as she pays perfect musical homage to Judy Garland’s who’s 1944 version introduced the world to the now-classic holiday tune in the film Meet Me in St. Louis. What’s more, Amato looks like a dream singing it.
Channeling yet another modern crooner, Jordan Long makes the audience feel all warm and fuzzy inside with his version of Josh Groban’s Believe from the film Polar Express. Bringing the Polar Express into the station, albeit only temporarily for the show’s intermission, Barry Amato, dressed in full train conductor regalia, recreates the Hot Chocolate scene from the film as legions of servers bring a sampling of Hot Chocolate to each and everyone in attendance. A little taste was all I needed to convince me to visit the concessions area for a full service of Hot Chocolate. Both beverages and others items were available in the gift shop for an additional minimal fee.
Post-intermission its time to Swing Into Christmas with Barry Amato leading things off with a swingin’ take on Gettin’ in the Mood for Christmas, a rockin holiday tune from Brian Setzer adapted from the classic Glen Miller. Christmas keeps on swingin’ with selections by Carter-Lotto, Reed and Ditty, with another magical interlude by Bruce Amato.
A humorous road trip sketch comes next with Reed once again stealing the show, and once again, I’m not gonna reveal all, but Reed as the youngest of three boys—Ditty and Long playing his older siblings—make a holiday drive challenging for Dad, Amato.
From humor to heart, Reed is once again at the helm with the help of the guys in the cast as he takes the lead on a heart-felt salute to our military by way of a moving rendition of the holiday classic, I’ll Be Home For Christmas.
Continuing the mood of gratitude, the night ends with a selection of traditional Christmas Carols based in faith and honoring the true reason for the season. As is the case throughout, this segment features each and every cast member in all their musical glory. The perfect end to a perfect holiday night of music, dancing, merriment that will surely leave audiences with a warmed heart and an appreciation for family, friends, and a renewed sense of appreciation for what we have, what we’ve lost and what we hope for the future.
Speaking of hopes for the future, I sincerely hope Fiddle Dee Farms continues to present the occasional dinner and a show throughout the year. If I may be so bold, might I suggest presenting the much-mentioned White Christmas musical stage version next holiday season. I’d be happy with any combination of the incredibly talented folks featured in We Need a Lot of Christmas taking it on for Christmas 2022.
In the meantime, We Need a Lot of Christmas continues it’s run with performances Dinner Shows December 4,10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and a special New Year’s Eve performance December 31. As well as additional Matinee performances December 4, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18 and 23.
Doors open for Matinees performances at 11:30am with a Gourmet Box Lunch served from 11:55am until 12:55pm and the Show beginning at 1pm. Matinee performances are $49.95, and include a gourmet box lunch.
Doors open for evening performances at 5:30pm with Buffet served from 5:45pm until 7:15pm and the Show beginning at 7:30pm. Evening performances begin at 7:30p.m. and prices range from $69.95 to $74.95 (for VIP seating) and include the above mentioned gourmet buffet with choice of entree.
Tickets are also available for a special New Year’s Eve performance beginning at 8p.m. for $110.00. The New Year’s Eve celebration includes the above-mentioned holiday buffet plus a meet and greet with the cast and producers, fun and games, party favors, noisemakers, post-show dancing with music provided by a DJ, dance lessons courtesy the cast, more magic from Bruce Amato, post-show hors d’oeuvres and holiday desserts and of course, champagne at midnight. CLICK HERE for tickets. For more, check out We Need a Lot of Christmas on Facebook and Instagram.
As always, if you wanna follow JHPEntertainment for my take on the latest local and national theatre, music and movie offerings, find us at JHPEntertainment on Facebook, JHP Entertainment on Instagram and JHPEntertainment on Twitter. Got an event or show we should know about, drop us a line at the Contact tab. Till then #GoSeeTheShow!
https://www.fiddledeefarms.com/
https://fiddledeefarms.ticketspice.com/we-need-a-lot-of-christmas-2021
https://www.christmasdinnershow.com/
Thank you Jonathan! Fiddle Dee Farms has worked hard to bring the best to Nashville in entertainment. Our cast is amazing and the show is highly entertaining. We appreciate your presence and your comments! Merry Christmas!
An absolute fabulous evening at Fiddle Dee Farm. The food was fantastic and what a musical production . Everything from the costumes, musical talent, magic by Bruce and the decor is magical🎄This is a must for everyone to see and if this doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit nothing will!
We Need A Lot of Christmas performed at Fiddle Dee farms is awesome. I have been to a lot of Christmas shows over the years and this one is rated the best. The singers and dancers are excellent. The bow has such a good blend of different songs, skits and magic act. The costumes were gorgeous and the food was very good. The building and stage are decorated beautifully. You will not be disappointed, very nice dinner show!!