It’s a Love Offering between star and audience as Andy Williams charms packed-house at the Fabulous Fox with Christmas show

By Daniel Hines
Publisher
America’s Seniors at www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

When we interviewed Andy Williams before his coming to St. Louis’ Fabulous Fox Theater for his Christmas show tour, we were struck at how genuinely likable this guy is.  But we were wrong…he’s not just likeable, he’s loveable and he took advantage of every opportunity to reach out to an audience ready—even anxious-- to reciprocate during his show at the Fox. 

It was my first time to see the venerable star, something that I now regret delaying for so long knowing that he was, all this time, only a few hours away at his theater in Branson where he performs 150 shows each year. 

From the moment he steps on stage, Andy exudes a quiet charm that is endearing.  His mellow speaking voice has not changed over the years, and as he proceeded throughout the evening, the sound engineers seemed to overcome some early mixing difficulties and Andy’s voice grew increasingly stronger and rich.   

Add to this his wonderful phrasing and what must be absolutely the greatest set of lungs in any 78-year-old around (he held some of the notes for up to what seemed to be about 8 beats, never wavering) and all the ingredients are there for a memorable evening. 

Of course, Andy sang all of his wonderful hits, but many of the highlights were from unexpected numbers.   

He showed his sense of humor when he did his ‘Christmas  Rap’ (claiming to be really the first white rapper), complete with a Mr. T-type chain necklace, styled sun glasses and even a ball cap which appropriately he wore backwards.   

Andy is not ashamed of his growing older.  He delivered a series of jokes about growing older in a low-keyed, but funny manner.  And, as promised, he did not try to overdo anything, but instead was being just himself.

The result was an intimate look at a truly gifted performer. 

There were other highlights, most notably the outstanding tap dancing of the Williams Brothers, no relation to Andy although he did introduce them as his (Soul) brothers.  Unfortunately, it was difficult to fully appreciate their skill because a series of monitors of some sort lined the stage, obstructing the full view of the dancers’ feet.  

We said Andy’s voice, always excellent, seemed to grow stronger throughout the show.  That’s fitting because the show’s ending, in which he was joined by a local church choir, in leading the audience in a number of Christmas songs (no PC worries here, thank God!) was a unique treat.

Afterwards, we were privileged to be able to meet Andy in a special ‘greeting’ room where we were joined by about 30 other people.  It is gratifying to report that up close and personal, Andy, who had just concluded a 2 ½ hour show, was as warm and charming as he had been on the stage.

During the show, he joked that President Reagan once said Andy’s voice was a national treasure.  Actually, it’s Andy that is a national treasure, a talented performer who conveys style and grace to his performances and life.