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We weren't quite as awed by "It's a Wonderful Life" as some of the rest of you.  The production did have it's good qualities; the singing and dancing was good, and the technical aspects were pretty cool.  But we felt it was too much spectacle, the development of relationships between characters being sacrificed for big production numbers.  It wasn't the fault of the actors, there simply wasn't enough "story" to move those relationships along. Rather than music moving the story along, it seemed that dialog and story were merely there to tie one production number to the next.  Consequently, we were not able to make that emotional connection that every show should try to make with the audience.  On the other hand, the "Dickens' Christmas Carol" show has a nice balance between the music and the story.  We're glad we saw the show, and we may see it again next year to see if any issues are corrected by a re-write, but it will not become that "must see every year" show for us.

We made it out to the park Friday and had a wonderful time.  The lights are all beautiful, as expected.  We didn't ride any of the rides except for the train this time (can't miss Grandpa telling the story), spending most of our time just walking around doing a little shopping, enjoying the scenery, and seeing the wonderful Christmas shows.  We enjoyed the Cajuns and Frosty.  The Saloon show was great although I'm still partial to the shows of yesteryear when the men were men and women were women, if you know what I mean.  The Nativity show in it's new location was moving.  The set was very cute but I do miss the Bethlehem city that they used to have in the Red Gold.  The Christmas Carol was, as always, terrific.  It's timeless and it's message of redemption tugs at my heart no matter how many times I see it.  We saw the new "It's a Wonderful Life" show and it was good, but not nearly the caliber of the Christmas Carol show.  I'll detail my impression of it in the other thread. 

All in all, it was another great day at SDC.  Is it ever not?

Well, I reckon I've been riding the range long enough, surveying the landscape of this forum, so it's time for me to step in it.  A long time SDC visitor (my first visit was in the 60's), I've seen a lot of things come and go.  A lot of changes, some for the better, some not so much.  I'm kinda old school on a lot of things, so that will probably show in my posts.  Hopefully, I will praise as much as I critique.  Like all of you, I love the City and relish my every visit.  I'm not real chatty so I may not respond to every subject, but I'm watching.  You all take care...you've got a great past ahead of you.