Let's set the scene:  First of all, Colorado is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.  The splendor and majesty of the snow-capped mountains is impossible to describe.  There was a light snow on the ground when we arrived in Colorado Springs, lending to the gentle Christmas scene.  We drove to the Broadmoor as darkness was settling in for the evening, so afraid of being late because of bad online directions.  Once we figured out that the inn was nestled at the foot of those mountains with which I had already fallen in love, it was a quick drive to the gorgeous establishment.

After parking in the hotel's garage, we headed for the elevator.  Stepping out was walking into Christmas.  There were lights and decorations everywhere, and hundreds of people in fabulous holiday attire, dressed as if to outshine the very Christmas trees that surrounded them.  Poinsettias in full bloom welcomed us as we approached the dining area, and we joined a line where hosts and hostesses were escorting each guest to the appropriate table.  A cheerful male voice rang out, "Dinner is served!"

And what a dinner!  A lovely salad with raspberry vinaigrette and crusty rolls introduced a gourmet platter of fork-tender steak, perfectly seasoned salmon (wonderful with the barnaise sauce), rice pilaf, and crisp-tender veggies. And dessert was almost as phenomenal as it was rich!  The service was exceptional and the experience was right up there with any fine dining restaurant.

The seating was very unique.  There were about 60 tables, each seating 10 people.  We quickly learned that everyone was to be introduced, and you really should try to remember everyone's name.  That's much easier said than done!  It was interesting, however, learning little tidbits about the other guests around you.  Mark and I had traveled the furthest at our table, but it was funny that one of the women with whom we were seated was more versed in Kansas City tourism than we were!  It was also fun to watch the screens on either side of the stage, which changed frequently, each time showcasing some unsuspecting diner.

Shortly after dinner concluded, the band began to play holiday music and then Suzy was introduced.  She took the stage in a festive Christmas outfit, a green dress with a formal black jacket and Christmas accessories.  Rocky Mountain Christmas opened the show, followed by her adorable Mr. Santa.  The house band did a fantastic job on the instrumentals and background vocals.  Suzy joked that she had decided to open with a few Christmas songs, as it just seemed like the right thing to do, being a Christmas show!  She then told the story behind the famous song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  I had never heard the story of Johnny Marx, the man at Montgomery Ward who wrote the story for his kids during a particularly rough Christmas.  Wards made the story into a book for their customers, and the story was picked up by a guy named Johnny Mercer, who thought it would be a great song.  He gave the idea to his brother-in-law, Gene Autry, and the rest is history.  Suzy was proud to report that Mr. Marx ended up being a millionaire!

Rudolph had a great beat in the hands of Suzy and the Broadmoor band.  And after the first chorus, Suzy called out the Colorado Children's Chorale, who surrounded her and provided perfect accompaniment to the fun song.  Suzy shined in the children's presence, really enjoying sharing the stage with the group.  The children remained on stage for the next song, Do You Hear What I Hear?, providing excellent background vocals. Suzy's voice became stronger with each verse in brilliant crescendo.

Commenting on the scenery at the Broadmoor, Suzy called out, "Hit it, George" and went into Winter Wonderland.  After the second verse, she walked out into the audience, looking for singers.  This gave Mark his first opportunity of the weekend to make his chat nickname (Sang_With_Suzy) come true. Suzy walked back on stage joking that she was going to lose her job and completed the final chorus.  The audience cheered and Suzy commented on how refreshed tonight's crowd appeared.  She then introduced Santa Claus himself!  Santa entertained everyone with humorous tales and a bit of holiday magic."Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Santa declared before departing.

Next, Suzy introduced us to Jim Salestrom and headed backstage.  Jim performed The Christmas Tree and Bristlecone Pine.  He then related to us that his personal hero is John Denver, who had performed at the Broadmoor in the past.  On March 12, 2007, the state of Colorado had voted Rocky Mountain High to be the state song, and Jim performed his version of the classic for us.

Jim introduced the band's fabulous violinist, Hank Singer, and his daughter, Vanessa, who joined forces on the violins in a lovely musical version of We Three Kings/Star of Wonder.  Suzy then came back onto the stage, commenting that it was a "Grand Ole Opry kinda vibe," being out there with Jim. She began the amazing Beautiful Star of Bethlehem and after the first shining verse, was joined in song by both Jim and Lewis Mock, who marveled us with his instrument playing throughout the show.  This was the first time I had heard this wonderful song, and Suzy was flawless as always.

It was again time for Suzy to surrender the stage as she introduced Lila Mori, a regular performer at the Broadmoor.  Lila had a beautiful voice and smiled throughout The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.  She then demonstrated her versatility as she sang Oh Holy Night in both English and the original French.  As she finished amidst loud applause, the Children's Chorale entered again to provide us with an immaculate round of Carol of the Bells.  Ken Miller, the Broadmoor's entertainment director, then chatted with the audience a bit, thanking a few people who helped make the evening happen.  He was happy to bring Suzy back out to the stage.

This time, she was much less formal and much more country in a rust-colored duster-style jacket, black pants, and glittery cowgirl boots!  She immediately strummed into the beloved Outbound Plane.  She introduced the next song as one that reminds her of the area every time she sings it, because when she first learned it, she was thinking of the Air Force Academy there. It also has Colorado in it!  What else but Someday Soon, which was very well performed by the band?  Near the end, Suzy had a little difficulty with the high notes "the altitude was drying out her throat."  She laughed at herself as she chanted part of the lyrics and sang what she could, reaching quickly for the nearby water bottle when she couldn't even attempt the final "someday soon."   She told us it was even drier in Las Vegas, where she has to arrive 3 or 4 days early or she can't sing at all!

Perhaps it was the difficulty from that song that caused her to deter a bit from the scheduled set list.  Instead of Letting Go, she opted to skip ahead to Two Step 'Round the Christmas tree, telling the story of how the song was born while driving around Canada with Doug late one April. She had no problems with that one!  Someone on stage commented that she should do a song with Hank, and she opted to add Cowboy's Sweetheart to the mix.  The yodeling was unaffected by the altitude and the song was performed in perfect Suzy style.  The audience loved it.

Suzy asked Jim to sing My Colorado Home before they joined forces for a very upbeat and fast-paced Jingle Bells, inviting the audience to join in as they sang faster and faster. Suzy introduced one of her "every favorite" Christmas songs, again asking everyone to sing along, and began an absolutely perfect Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.  Lila Mori joined in, as did Jim Salestrom, after Suzy's first lovely verse.  The Children's Chorale re-joined the group and Suzy introduced everyone who had entertained us, including one more brief visit from Santa.  Suzy called out to him to not forget her present.

Thanking everyone warmly for coming out tonight, Suzy and the group sang a gentle Silent Night.  She then asked everyone to stand up and sing along.  Of course, we all participated.  Suzy wished everyone a great holiday and the evening concluded with We Wish You a Merry Christmas as everyone left the stage and the crowd began to disperse.

A fabulous meet and greet followed the show, and Suzy was as warm and wonderful as always.  Thanks for the memories, Suzy.  You truly made this one of the best Christmases I can remember, and one I will always cherish!

"Much love,
Janelle (in KC)

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