By Doc Lawrence
Bet the ranch that the most entertaining holiday show in Georgia this season is on the stage of Stone Mountain’s Art Station Contemporary Arts Center. “Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular” masterfully delivers over two hours of live music, dance, comedy and clever slapstick in a country Christmas cabaret fit for Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. 
The Honky Tonk Angels
The story is gentle. Two of the original Angels, Sue Ellen Smith Barney Fife (Liza Jaine) and Darlene Purvis (Erin North) are joined by Motown Singer/'Psychic Charilee Chess (Keena Redding) when Angela Bodine (Aretta Baumgartner)) can't make it due to "illness" (she is pregnant with twins, but eventually shows up). The Angels are playing their favorite venue, The Honky Tonk Heaven in Nashville. They begin as a trio and soon swell to a quartet as Santa arrives with a brand-new bag.
All four angels are stellar on their own and heavenly when they harmonize. Each brings a different flavor to the mix.
Erin North plays country girl Darlene with an enchanting smile, killer high kicks and is hilarious with her rendition of “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” just one of the songs that fit perfectly with the show that's fun, funny and sentimental.
Angela provides the visual punch as the fourth angel who arrives a bit late from her double-wide trailer in Texas, due to extenuating circumstances. She also has a big voice and a real flair for physical comedy. She's hilarious on the Elvis classic “Burnin' Love,” with a little help from Elvis impersonators, the “three kings.”
Charilee brings Motown sounds to the angels, tearing through several gospel numbers, bringing laughs with some attitude and melting the audience with her soulful solos.
Sue Ellen, the “Texas Chainsaw Manicurist” transplanted to sunny California, has a strong, rich voice and is wonderful when she's singing serious. Her “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” interpretation adds cleverness.
The set is vintage Music City, the costumes are colorful and the precision choreography showcases some boot-scootin' boogie.
Music makes this show. Patrick Hutchison’s band delivers flawless Music Row authenticity. Each song-and there are over two dozen-is appropriately magnified and balanced with just enough twang. Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” requires background excellence. It’s delivered magnificently.
David Thomas, one of the top theatrical visionaries anywhere, directs this show with precision
“The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular” continues through Dec. 18. Tickets: (770) 469-1105; www.artstation.org
Bring someone you love.
