Happy! Merry! Joyous!: Inside the Mind of a Caroler

Hilarious! I wasn’t sure what to expect but the evening was delightful. ... full review

This is my favorite solo show I've seen in years! It's funny and fascinating: the cream of the crop in edutainment. This show not only provides interesting tidbits about various Christmas carols, it also delivers an in-depth breakdown on the process of becoming a professional caroler. Happy! Merry! Joyous! is a fantastic show for Christmas enthusiasts, history and word nerds, performers who have faced less-than-enthusiastic audiences, and anyone who has ever spent long, excruciating hours prepping for something that was consumed in less than ten minutes. Be prepared to laugh gleefully and flinch at the relatability!... full review

I had so much fun at this show! My face hurt from smiling and laughing. Not only did I learn about caroling, a topic I now am fascinated by, but I felt so welcome and invited in by Jim from the second he stepped onto stage. This show is an example of why I love Fringe—you'll never see another show like it, and yet everyone in the room became a part of the caroling world for an hour. It was a lovely experience.... full review

A funny and fascinating look inside the mind of a professional Christmas Caroler! It's not just about showing up in a Victorian top hat and scarf and singing familiar holiday tunes with friends. Jim Blanchette shares behind-the-scenes insights and hilarious anecdotes about what it takes to make it in the Jolly Season! They stop by your table, they sing a gong, now find out what really goes on in the the brain of an overworked musical merry maker!... full review

Tons of fun stories spun by a charming storyteller about a subject your probably never thought much about. A real sleeper of a show that I recommend! ... full review

Salty and sweet. Funny and bittersweet. It's a journey of the holidays and a passion for an artform that's easy to overlook from someone who is a natural storyteller.... full review

Happy! Merry! Joyous! Inside and out...oh wait...inside the mind of a caroler, left me Happy, Merry and Joyous. I just saw it and I am reeling with light inside and out. I am a sucker for Christmas...I love it all and this brought me right back to my favorite time of the year and it was absolutely brilliant! Damnit Jim...you blew my brand new socks and underwear right off! Thank you for your honesty, your wit, your depth, your humor, your light, your laughter...your happy, merry, joyous. You are a true triple threat, actor, singer, storyteller. I loved every minute and I found myself laughing out loud for real and several moments had tears welling up...you shared your soul and the thing that makes you truly happy. You did not miss a beat... full review

Jim is such a charming storyteller and manages to give such depth and insight to something as seemingly simple as caroling, ... full review

Having had the pleasure of watching Jim (and his wonderfully talented producer-wife Lisa) carol in real life during holidays past, this felt like a fun and illuminating peek behind the curtain. What becomes clear is that carolling is so much more than singing a few holiday songs. The artistry and effort required to bring genuine joy to others is no small feat, and like any craft it comes with its own highs, lows, and hidden challenges that the outside world never sees. I highly recommend this show.... full review

This is an absolute riot. Jim Blanchette is so funny, honest, conspiratorial, and passionate about caroling, even in the face of the 4 months of prep for 6 weeks of work. I expected this to be far more musically inclined, more "holiday", but the context and the stories of caroling prep, community, and favorite (and least favorite) caroling experiences makes for a warm and joyful romp. O come all ye audiences, to Happy Merry Joyous!... full review