Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan was a winter wonderland just a few days before Christmas, starting with the cozy decorations that greeted guests and continuing when the “Home For The Holidays” Tour warmed up the substantial crowd.

Considering the all-star line-up included the soulful double Oscar and Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson, gospel great Oleta Adams, R&B belter/“American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard and fellow “Idol” alum/jazzy pop star in her own right Haley Reinhart, it was like seeing four headliners in a single show.

And though they certainly had their chance to shine individually throughout well over two uplifting hours, there was also a fair share of unique collaborations for this well-matched mutual admiration society.

Bryson was as smooth and suave as ever, even at 73-years-old, particularly when he dusted off the personal classics “Can You Stop The Rain” and “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” backed by a live band and background singers.

Adams’ set held extra special significance considering it marked her very last performance prior to retiring, yet she was incredibly humble and downright flawless in delivering “Silent Night,” Elton John’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” “Peace,” and of course, “Get Here,” which earned a lengthy and bittersweet standing ovation.

The velvety-voiced Studdard tipped his hat to some greats of yesteryear, such as Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” and The Bee Gees’ “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart,” in addition to the new “My Favorite Holiday,” always impressing with impeccable phrasing and champion-level confidence.

No stranger to being able to interpret absolutely anything, Postmodern Jukebox favorite and Illinois’ own Haley Reinhart turned in stunning renditions of the original “Honey, There’s The Door,” Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

Together, she and Peabo slayed both “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Beauty And The Beast,” he and Studdard dazzled during Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” then Bryson joined the piano playing Adams come “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” plus the entire cast collectively crooned Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” to wrap up the historic holiday on a note of sheer joy.

For additional information on Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Ruben Studdard, Haley Reinhart, visit PeaboBryson2.com, OletaAdams.com, RubenStuddard.com and HaleyReinhart.com.

Upcoming concerts at the Genesee Theatre include “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” (Dec. 22), Folsom Prison Experience (Jan. 11); Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Jason Scheff (Jan. 17); Linger: A Tribute To The Cranberries (Jan. 18); Dueling Pianos (Jan. 24); Little River Band (Jan. 25); “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” (Jan. 26); The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams and The Box Tops (Feb. 7); “The Sweet Caroline Tour” starring Jay White (Feb. 8); Uptown: A Celebration Of Motown And Soul (Feb. 14); Blind Melon (Feb. 15); Howard Jones and ABC (Feb. 20); Air Supply (Feb. 21); “Drumline” Live (Feb. 23); Herman’s Hermits starring Peter No-one (Feb. 28); The Moody Blues’ John Lodge (Mar. 1); Jim Henson’s “Fraggle Rock” (Mar. 2); KC & The Sunshine Band (Mar. 7); Old Crow Medicine Show (Mar. 15); Here Come The Mummies (Mar. 20); An Evening With Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Mar. 22); Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (Mar. 30); MJ Live (Apr. 4); The Brit Pack (Apr. 10); “The Addams Family” (Apr. 19); “Sesame Street” Live! (May 16) and Brit Floyd (May 30). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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