For the 2nd year in a row, the Seneca Allegany Casino hosted the Donny and Marie Christmas show. This show was sold out and from what I saw, there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. Giving a little history on the duo, Donny and Marie had a TV show from 1976 to 1979 and then 20 years later, they enjoyed moderate success with another TV show under the same moniker from 1998-2000.
Donny and Marie made their appearance from a set of stairs on the stage locked arm in arm singing “Need a Little Christmas.” The siblings made their way into the crowd during the song. Donny went into the rows and sang with multiple ladies at various locations while sister Marie sat on gentleman’s lap and sang to him closer to the front of the stage. Marie took center stage as Donny exited for a bit as she led the show including singing her former number 1 hit in “Paper Roses.” This was a heavy theme of Christmas songs and cheer but later in the show Donny also appeared solo and sang his hit “Puppy Love.” The interaction between the two was just as I remembered from their show. Lots of good ribbing and wonderful stage presentation. Marie invited a gentleman named Jay up on stage and said if he can sing Elvis’s “Blue Christmas” (and it would be judged by audience reaction) he and his wife would go back to meet Donny after the show. He did very well and got a rousing round of applause for his efforts! Marie also talked about her biggest achievement was helping to create the Children’s Miracle Network. In keeping with the theme, she went on to sing “The Prayer.”
Donny had a CD giveaway to a lucky fan for the person who made a comment on his Facebook page during the show. A random winner was selected and also got to meet him after the show. The duo sounded great and had stage dancers back them up along with a live band. Marie at one point came out with her sliver M guitar as she was all dolled-up n a country outfit to match her 6th string. Donny payed homage to Andy Williams who gave him his first start in show business with his brothers at the age of 5.
Donny and Marie kept the show fresh by constant wardrobe changes and interacting with the crowd all show long. You can tell they still have a very strong appeal by the overflowing crowd that showed up to the Allegany Events Center this past Saturday night. I didn’t know what to expect and the show totally blew me away. They stall have it after all these years and hope that they continue to do this every Christmas, so I can go see it again!
Setlist:
Overture (Carol of the Bells)
Need a Little Christmas
All I Need for Christmas
Motown Christmas
Paper Roses
Christmas mashup
Blue Christmas
Boogoe Woogie Bugle Boy
The Prayer
If Everyday Could be Christmas
Puppy Love
Celebrate Mashup
Winter Wonderland
Little Bit of Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll/Christmas Song/Deck the Halls/Naughty List/Santa Claus is Coming to Town/Little Bit of Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll
Moon River
How Great Thou Art
Christmas Zoot
Mary Did You Know
Jingle Bells
Most Wonderful Time of the Year/Grown Up Christmas/Peace on Earth
We would like to thank Phil Pantano for the credentials to review the show.
