Mark Nadler and Stephanie Pope will take the stage together for a special holiday performance titled “Christmas in the City” on December 15, 2024, at the Rittenhouse Grill in Philadelphia. The show is part of a vibrant cabaret series produced by veteran impresario Randy Swartz and hosted by Garth Weldon, the restaurant’s owner. Dinner will begin at 17:30, with tickets available by calling 215-772-1701.
Both Nadler and Pope have rich backgrounds in the performing arts. Nadler, who began his career at the age of eleven in his hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa, has enjoyed over five decades as an entertainer. “Fifty-three years later, I’m still working and thinking, ‘I get paid for this!’” he remarked, expressing gratitude for his long-standing career in music and theater.
Pope, who also started her artistic journey at eleven, took her first dance class at the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City. Reflecting on her extensive career, she humorously noted, “I’ve been performing for so long, people think I’m 104.” Her impressive resume includes numerous roles in Broadway productions, including a Tony-nominated performance in “Fosse.”
As they prepare for their upcoming show, both artists are excited about the diverse holiday music they will present. “It’s not only Christmas music,” Nadler explained in a recent phone interview. “Monday is the second night of Hanukkah, and other holidays take place adjacent to Christmas, so we’ll be covering a variety of traditions.” He guarantees that their rendition of the Hanukkah song will be anything but conventional, noting, “I can guarantee you the Hanukkah song will not be ‘I Have a Little Dreidel.’”
The duo’s chemistry is palpable, with Nadler praising Pope’s vocal talent. “Stephanie is an incredible singer, all soulful and with a style that makes everything she sings sound new,” he said, to which Pope playfully replied, “I’ll pay him later for saying that.”
Pope’s association with the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse has defined much of her career. She was a key performer in his productions, including “Sweet Charity” and “Big Deal.” Her versatility extends beyond dance, as she has also excelled in acting and singing, taking on prominent roles such as Velma Kelly in “Chicago.”
The intimate setting of the Rittenhouse stage will provide an engaging atmosphere for the performance. “I will be doing some steps,” Pope assured, while Nadler emphasized her captivating presence, saying, “When she’s just standing still, you see she is a dancer. Her presence is an entire ballet.”
“Christmas in the City” aims to spread joy and creativity during the holiday season, with both artists highlighting the need for such sentiments in today’s world. “We can use a bit of joy right now,” Nadler remarked.
As anticipation builds for this unique holiday show, the collaboration between Mark Nadler and Stephanie Pope promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of entertainment that celebrates the diversity of holiday traditions.
