Photos by Andy Argyrakis

As a groundbreaking artist who redefined practically all aspects of the violin and performance art in general, it was only a matter of time before Lindsey Stirling applied her distinctive approach to the holidays.

“Snow Waltz” marks the sequel of sorts to “Warmer In The Winter,” which has since become a semi-regular touring show that instantly sold out the Genesee Theatre, though the double YouTube and Billboard Music Award winner could’ve easily done the same somewhere double or triple its size.

Nonetheless, she became the latest A-lister to choose the increasingly revered Waukegan venue, bringing the gifts of spirit and spectacle, plus a pair of musicians and four dancers for 100 minutes of contemporary or traditional tunes.

It started with a “Sleigh Ride,” followed by “Christmas C’mon” as Stirling and company nimbly combined classical, electronic, pop and rock instrumental elements, alongside sugary sweet vocals on occasion, breathtaking choreography and beautiful costumes.

The headliner would frequently change clothes and scenes throughout expertly personalized takes on “Jingle Bell Rock,” “O Holy Night,” “Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Santa Baby” and “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” on top of an amazing aerial display during “Crystalize.”

The latter wasn’t Stirling’s only moment stepping out of the season, thanks in part to a masterful medley of Katy Perry’s “Roar,” Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The U.S.A.”

Additional originals representing various themes also appeared, including “Serenity Found,” “Snow Waltz,” “Ice Storm” and “Magic,” each putting her virtuoso compositional abilities into greater focus.

For the grand finale, the somewhat obscure hymn, “I Wonder As I Wander,” reached Cirque du Soleil levels of stunt work, though never at the expense of a stunning arrangement or Stirling’s magical approach to making sure the Genesee did indeed feel like it was the most wonderful time of the year.

For additional information on Lindsey Stirling, visit LindseyStirling.com.

Upcoming shows at the Genesee Theatre include BoDeans (Dec. 26); Michael Carbonaro (Dec. 27); Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience and David Brighton’s Space Oddity (Jan. 9); Puddle Of Mudd (Jan. 16); Stone Temple Pilots (Jan. 17); Anthony Rodia (Jan. 22); Revisiting Creedence (Jan. 23); Aziz Ansari (Jan. 24); Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood (Jan. 30); “#IMOMSOHARD” (Jan. 31); Theresa Caputo (Feb. 4); Jay Leno (Feb. 6);  JJ Grey & Mofro (Feb. 7); George Lopez (Feb. 14); Dueling Pianos (Feb. 20); The Peking Acrobats (Feb. 21); The Ultimate Doors (Feb. 22); Neil Forever (Feb. 27); John Oates & The Good Road Band (Mar. 7); The Phil Collins Story (Mar. 8); Three Dog Night (Mar. 13); Bee Gees Gold (Mar. 21); Bob Dylan (Mar. 30); Glenn Miller Orchestra (Apr. 9); Andrew Dice Clay and Jon Lovitz (Apr. 11); World Ballet Company: “Cinderella” (Apr. 19) and Los Lonely Boys (Apr. 23). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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