Jane Lynch brings holiday ‘Glee’ to Kutzown
Actress Kate Flannery, vocal arranger Tim Davis joined Lynch for live performance of ‘A Swingin’ Little Christmas’
Film and television star Jane Lynch brought some holiday “glee” to Schaeffer Auditorium at Kutztown University on Dec. 5 with “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.”
The show is named after Lynch’s hit album of the same name and features a very talented cast of television, film, and music stars. Actress Kate Flannery and music producer and vocal arranger Tim Davis joined Lynch on stage, backed by the Tony Guerrero Quintet (all of whom also worked on the studio album) for a sparkling performance of a musical celebration of the holidays.
Lynch, Flannery, Davis and Guerrero are all known for work they have done in Hollywood and the music industry. Both Lynch and Flannery have played roles in feature films and on television shows. Lynch was cheerleading coach “Sue Sylvester” in the series “Glee”, and Kate Flannery was “Meredith Palmer” in the series “The Office”. Davis has worked with Lady Gaga, and Barbra Streisand. Guerrero is a jazz trumpet player who has recorded with artists from Sir Paul McCartney to Slash.
The unique concert event brought all four of these artists together on stage for a one-of-a-kind performance of original holiday music from the album “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.”
I think that it is music more than anything else that gets people into the spirit of the season. “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” is a live music show that could even get Ebenezer Scrooge into the holiday spirit because the cast have fun on stage and have enthusiasm for the music performed. When could you ever see actresses who have been on television and in movies singing along with musicians who are known all over the world? And it all took place on a stage at the campus of Kutztown University!
Jane, Kate, Tim, and Tony also have the holiday spirit offstage, something I discovered when they joined me for an interview the night of the show.
Here is some of my conversation with Jane Lynch.
Rodeo: When did you realize you wanted to act and sing for a living?
Jane: I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to act! I loved being in plays when I was a little girl and that love continues to the present day.
Rodeo: What is one life lesson that people can take away from your book “Happy Accidents”?
Jane: I think it’s important not to paint yourself into a corner with goals. One of the things I’ve learned is to stay open and look at what’s right in front of you.
Rodeo: What was it like to get a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame?
Jane: It was such a great honor to get a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame! Ryan Murphy and Christopher guest spoke at the ceremony and I was so touched. Anytime friends or family walks by the star they always take a picture of themselves pointing it out!
Rodeo: Which do you like more, performing on stage in front of a live audience or making movies?
Jane: I love it all! But right now I am really loving being in front of an audience. I love our back and forth. And I adore Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and our band. We are travelling across the country together performing the show and having a wonderful time.
Rodeo: Who has been your favorite co-star to work with and why?
Jane: Matt Morrison has definitely been one of my favorite co-stars. He is a loving man and a lot of fun. We had such a great time working together on “Glee.”
To find out what was the best holiday gift Jane Lynch ever received, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=20-iSlXgweo to watch the entire interview with Jane and the rest of the cast of “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.”
Rodeo would like to thank the following people for being super, awesome, and cool! Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and Tony Guerrero. Special thanks to Bryan Zellmer, Director Of KU Presents! and Trey Wojciechowski of Ninth Frame Films for his video expertise.
TX Tagline:Kid reviewer Rodeo Marie Hanson 12, Fleetwood, contributes columns to Berks-Mont News-