Gloria!

[Jrbgwfan06]

That was a very good showing, I really can't say it was better than the first showing, because I love the normal version without all their little "touches" to their part. However, it was still a great last showing! I don't know if many of you caught this, but right at the end of the stage when Mary, Joseph and "baby Jesus" were being pushed out on the moving stage. The slot they were on hit very hard against the stage, and she fell a bit. I was in the middle section about 3 or 4 rows up(fantastic seats, right in the center, for a fantastic showing) and that stumble was a lot more apparent where I was sitting. I quietly said "Oops!" And chuckled very softly. However, the whole cast when they saw her stumble a bit, smiled(even Mary herself) and tried to hold back from laughing as it was the end of the show. I just thought it was a very memorable moment, in a very memorable show!

 

[mwhinva]

Just curious, how many musicians were in "Gloria"? The video panned across the orchestra; but, the house lights were still dim and I could not tell how many were in the string section.

It appeared there were more musicians in this show than performers! (12 performers and 16-18 musicians?)

What is the cast and orchestra size for "Deck the Halls" and "Miracles"?

Add on the Brass Band, Carolers, and other atmosphere entertainers; BGW has a pretty hefty entertainment budget (especially given the show production levels | costumes, sets/props, lighting, and sound).

I know that many of you are not always enamored of Scott's "glittering" creative ideas for the park's entertainment; but, I wish Cedar Fair could give KD half the budget that BGW gets for its entertainment each season! My guess is that KD gets 20% of the money that BGW gets allocated each year for entertainment. :shocked:

And now, back to your regularly scheduled "Gloria" programming.

 

[lazerdoc]

In my opinion the current entertainment department has hit a home run with this show. I'm not saying that it couldn't be improved(Example - The Three Wise men part was a little akward)but overall I enjoyed Gloria. This is the only show offered, in any current season, that I would make a "must see" on every visit. Emerald Beat and Monster Stomp were that way, but that was the old Busch Gardens.

The only time I made it up there for Christmastown this year was the final night. We made it to the first show of the day and it was fantastic. There were several performers from the other shows sitting near us who were there cheering on and supporting their fellow performers. I thought that was pretty cool. I lost my Mom this year, and during the show I just kept thinking how much she would have loved it.

There are a lot of really good performers in Gloria, but for me, one of them stands out. The lead female singer with dark hair in the final piece is an incredible performer. I've seen there over the past few years and have always thought she was very good. I'm pretty sure she was in Fiends (or whatever the old Halloween show in the Fest House was called) and even back then she had a stage presence that drew the audience to her.

 

[BGW Family]

Katie was indeed Simplicity in Fiends and Gloria for 2012. She was the Vocal Captain for those shows. She and Jeff had great chemistry in Fiends. She also performed in Celtic Fyre and This is Oktoberfest as a swing. Katie was sweet, quite pleasant to talk to, and very appreciative for recognition of her performances. She has a very strong stage presence, in my humble opinion.

 

[Party Rocker]

Just curious, how many musicians were in "Gloria"? The video panned across the orchestra; but, the house lights were still dim and I could not tell how many were in the string section.

It appeared there were more musicians in this show than performers! (12 performers and 16-18 musicians?)

What is the cast and orchestra size for "Deck the Halls" and "Miracles"?

The live orchestra is one of the things they have always tried to do in the Abbeystone Theater for Christmas. I think even Rejoice had a live orchestra of similar size. It just clicks with the shows that go on there.

Miracles has no orchestra, but it does hold the record for smallest amount of performers in a show during Christmas Town, or I'd like to think that is does. It just doesn't seem to have as many people as Gloria and Deck the Halls.

 

[Hoopla]

The Gloria! Official video posted by the park said that Gloria! Has an 18 piece orchestra. Hope that helped.

 

[chickenking]

Finally got a chance to watch the finale video. Two thumbs up!! Zachary, for me, this is was one my favorite recordings you have done; especially since the arrangement of this show makes it so difficult to film. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful closeups and the inclusion of the musicians (even though one of my buddies kept sticking his guitar in front of the screen; he knows who he is ). Now in all honesty, this was not my favorite performance of Gloria that I have seen. For a finale, it was clear everyone was putting forth their finest efforts and having fun performing with very emotional & spiritual material. Some of the...ahem...embellishments felt a little forced and awkward for my tastes, but I very much enjoyed the show as a whole. Congrats to all of the singers, musicians, stage techs, etc. for a wonderful season & finale for GLORIA. Well done.

 

[Jrbgwfan06]

I totally agree, some of the "touches" the singers added were a bit to much/a bit off key/awkward. And you could tell it was effecting their performances, a lot of them ran out of breath putting their little "touches," and could sometimes not finish the line they were singing because of it. Especially when there was more than one person singing, sometimes it would confuse me which one was the right tone/key, and sometimes it would even off set other singers keeping up with the music/key. Sorry, the music part of my mind went on a rant. I still liked the performance but it was not my favorite, I would of much rather preferred watching an even stronger/better version of the first show. If it was something like that, it probably would've been the best performance I've seen at BGW. However, I'm glad that the performers had a chance to have a little fun.

 

[Doglover98]

I definitely agree that all of the extra touches were a bit too much....one or two here and there would have been great, but every performer doing multiple things made for a slightly sloppy performance. No offense to the performers, though! They all still did a fantastic job, and it was a great showing. I think I liked Damon's performance the best that night because he changed stuff around a bit but didn't go overboard. The three kings did a great job with what they changed around too....their song is the one I looked forward to seeing the most all season..they sound great together. And of course, I loved Gabe's final Away in a Manger....he has an amazing voice...he did a bit too much riffing throughout the rest of the show for my taste, though. All in all, I would probably agree with the people who said they liked the original version better, but this was still an amazing ending to a great show!

 

[chickenking]

Some cool stuff from Gloria...

Always enjoy the percussionists.
Pro-tip: Even in a packed theater, the front seats in front of the percussionists are almost always empty.

 

[m4lyfe92]

Just want to say, Thank you all for your kind words and reviews and critiques. We love to see things like this, and also its nice to see that people really do care truly enough about our craft to have so many pages of amazing things to say about us. We all loved performing for you all everyday, hearing your applause truly boosted us through each show, thank you all for coming out and supporting the arts! And yes I was in the show this past Christmas season 2013

 

[Zachary]

You're very welcome! Thank you for all of your fantastic performances! I've said Gloria 2013 had the strongest cast to ever perform in a Busch Gardens Williamsburg show and I stick by that statement. The level of talent represented was truly stunning.

Also, something else as well while I have your ear: Any of the pictures posted by myself here or on the BGWFans Facebook page are yours to do with as you choose. If you'd ever like higher quality or unwatermarked versions of anything you see, let me know and I can get you those as well.

 

[m4lyfe92]

Sounds Good.

 

[BGW Family]

Some FYI.

Gabriel - an angel messenger
Mary - the mother of the Child
Joseph - Mary’s husband
Lydia - shepherdess and attendant to the kings
Rachel - shepherdess
Amos - shepherd
Anna - shepherdess and attendant to the kings
Lysia - shepherdess and attendant to the kings
Melchior - Red King who brings gold to the manger
Caspar - Blue King who brings myrrh to the manger
Balthazar - Purple King who brings frankincense to the manger

 

[Celticdog]

Even though this show has been playing for several years it is still fresh. The cast really moves the crowd. They have such talented vocal performers, especially Damon (Gabriel) has and amazing voice. I can watch this show again and again.

 

[netdvn]

Saw the show Saturday night. Vocals were weaker than last year. Other than that, it was largely the same show that we've seen in the past.

 

[Mushroom]

Having just seen this show for the first time in years, I have to profess my love for this show. It is exceptionally well done. The vocals are simply fantastic, especially with Damon's opening song. I can understand that non-Christian visitors may not like the show as much, but as a religious person I find this show incredibly moving. I think the idea of having a live orchestra playing along a musical version of the nativity story is not only brilliant but wonderfully carried through. I honestly think Gloria is the best telling of the nativity story through show that I have ever seen. For me, it is incredibly moving and touching and BGW really hit the mark. Best show at Christmas Town in my opinion, beating Scrooge No More by just a little bit.

Really my only criticism is the part that looks like a PowerPoint presentation of kids opening presents on Christmas. I really wish that part could be changed or removed altogether. Oh, and it's too bad I didn't get to see Gabe in the show.

One more thing: My favorite part of the show was the We Three Kings song. I thought the trio harmonization was the best it has ever been, compared to past years.

That's enough positive-gushing. Now back to your regularly scheduled complaining.

 

[MAZ]

I enjoy the show as you do Joe. The wife and I took our Mothers to see the show last week and and they loved it. It was very special to them and we are a family that appreciates this show for celebrating the meaning of Christmas. Maybe it helps that I've only seen the show 4-5 times over the last 2 years, keeping it exciting.

 

[David]

the meaning of Christmas.

I hate to break it to you.... But, this is the meaning of Christmas.

 

[Mushroom]

No... That's what American commercialism has made the holiday. The TRUE meaning of Christmas is what's been forgotten.