My review
updated October 5, 2009
Connie Talbot
recording her Public Television Special
"Holiday Magic"
at the WVIA-TV Studios, Pittston, PA
Septemer 27, 2009
Part one...setting the stage
My family arrived at the studios right at 12 noon, and was greeted by the pleasant WVIA staff, including Ginny Fredmonski who checked our names on the list at the lobby.
There were about ten members from Connie Talbot's official forum who drove or flew in to see the taping.
After everyone had signed a media release form, we were allowed to walk down to the High Definition Theater Studio. The studio is quite a bit smaller than it looks on television, with perhaps 100 to 150 seats. Only a few seats were not flled. The stage was beautiful...with wooden toys, large alphabet blocks, gift packages, and lots of fake snow. Additional props were brought in for different songs, including a lamppost, a bench, and white fences.
Due to the tight recording schedule, Connie was provided with a screen for the song lyrics. Many noted that she hardly looked at it, and for one song, the lyrics were incorrect!
After some instructions from the stage director and from AAO Record Company Chairman Peter G. Kuys, Connie was introduced! With a beaming smile and sparking eyes, she thanked everyone for coming and took her place on stage.
Songs were filmed as a set of two songs. There was about a five minute pause between sets, giving Connie a chance to rest and to change her wardrobe after each set. Also The props were adjusted and Paul Daly (ofthe Kuys Leisure Group)shared with the audience some of Connie's accomplishments and recent performances.
Part two...the first half (with my notes)
1. Frosty the Snowman 2. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree3. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (a U.S. Marine in full uniform accompanied Connie on stage)
4. When a Child is Born (two U.S. Marines ... tie-in to Toys For Tots)
5. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Connie spotted the wrong lyrics on her screen, this required three takes)
6. Do You Hear What I Hear? 7. White Christmas (the song opens to a softly spinning Christmas ornament)(two takes - Connie's scarf had a mind of its own)
8. O Little Town of Bethlehem (two takes - audio problems)
Part three - the second half (with my notes)
There was a break in filming and we got a change to stretch our legs. Light refreshments were provided, consisting of cakes, a vegetable tray, and bottled water. After about twenty minutes we were told to resume our seats as filming resumed.
9. Silent Night (mic problems required several takes)
10. Mary's Boy Child / O My Lord (accompanying Connie on vocals were members of the Scranton High School choir - this is the arrangement made famous by the group Boney M)
11. Wonderful World 12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (two takes - one had Connie sitting on a bench and one with her standing near it)
13. Over the Rainbow (lots of dry ice - ground fog)
14. Walking in the Air (Connie on a swing! - with the ground fog, it looked like she really was above the clouds)
15. Ave Maria (Connie stood between two rows of lit candles. A stained-glass motif was on the backdrop. At the end of the song, Connie walked between the candles, towards the stained glass, and turned left into the forest, which was so touching)
Connie received a standing ovation and hearty applause. Before we left the theater, we were informed of an autograph session and meet-and greet.
Part four - the meet and greet (and a surprise for Connie Talbot Forum members)
Please click on the photos for a full-sized picture.
Everyone lined up to meet Connie.
She autographed a photo that I printed out...Click to see me and Connie! Lots of smiles!
There were many gifts presented to Connie... Connie's parents Sharon and Gavin were lovely and nice to chat with.
Connie left for a time and it was thought that she had left the building. However were were informed that a very special photography session would be allowed.
So we headed back to the theatre..not to the seats...but the stage!!!!! Connie sat on a stool and everyone took lovely photos!
A group shot of Connie Talbot Forum members was arranged, get ready for this... here is the full shot...
I said my goodbyes and went home still floating on a cloud!
Thanks very much Connie...you were amazing! A fabulous performance...this entire experience will last with me forever. A big thank-you to the staff at WVIA for the hospitality and kindness throught.
I was pleased to meet so many people and two very proud parents Sharon and Gavin...congratulation on your gifted daughter!
Best wishes,
Joe