31 Days of Holiday Cheer Exclusive: Alysha Umphress and Joel Waggoner Sing a 'Love Is Christmas/River' Mash-Up | Playbill

Holiday Coverage 31 Days of Holiday Cheer Exclusive: Alysha Umphress and Joel Waggoner Sing a 'Love Is Christmas/River' Mash-Up

The Broadway stars combined Sara Bareilles' Christmas song with Joni Mitchell's beloved ballad to celebrate the holiday season.

Every day this December, Playbill will be getting into the spirit of the season with 31 Days of Holiday Cheer—sharing some of our favorite music videos from Broadway stars. Check in daily for classic tunes and new songs about Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's. And we even have some surprise new, original Playbill videos to share.

With the holidays in full swing, Broadway's Alysha Umphress (On the Town) and Joel Waggoner (Be More Chill) have united to combine two seasonal songs into one cozy Christmas single. 

Mashing up Sara Bareilles' Christmas song "Love Is Christmas" and Joni Mitchell's beloved ballad "River," the pair specially arranged the work, with Waggoner on piano. See the duo perform "Love Is Christmas/River" in the music video above.

"'Love Is Christmas' is a modern standard in my opinion, and pairs so well with the 'River,' which has long been a favorite Christmas—sad, almost anti-Christmas—song," Umphress shared with Playbill.

Directed by Cody Williams, the music video shot by Ordinary Sunday features photography direction and editing by Adam Paul Verity, production and camera operation by Jess Orsburn. "Love Is Christmas/River" features engineer mixing and mastering by Ian Kagey.

"Love is Christmas/River" is now available to listen to on all streaming platforms, including Apple Music. Coming up: Umphress will make her 54 Below solo debut with two performances of her show 15 Stories at the New York City supper club March 2–3, 2024.

VIDEO: 31 Days of Holiday Cheer: Mean Girls Sing 'Jingle Bell Rock'

 
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