Not since Connie Chung sang her farewell in the final episode of her low-rated husband-wife talk show has there been as an embarrassing display of news folks as song and dance men and women as Channel 3’s charity minded lapse called “Joy for Kids.’
Shot at Hartford Stage for an audience that didn’t seem to have any kids in it, it was a holiday variety show that premiered Saturday night in prime time.
Meteorologist Scot Haney seemed the star – or at least he was in just about every number, full of enthusiasm but really no more talent than you’d expect at karaoke. His was a voice to endure rather than really enjoy; Denise D’Ascenzo joined him on a couple of duets that doubled the cringe factor. Let’s just say as a singer on prime time TV, she’s a pretty good anchorwoman.
Still, she came off better than Al Terzi, the veteran anchor who turned a little too easily into Alvin the Chipmunk to lip synch “The Chipmunk Song.” Next time he reports the news, I’ll be thinking of him imploring in a high pitched voice, “I still want a hula hoop!”
Others at the station were roped into performing in costumes and out. Irene O'Connor did some elaborate step dancing. Dennis House and Kara Sundlund anchored an insane “local celebrity” version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” with a cast that included Gov. Rell, Geno Auriemma, Dr. Henry Lee and the inevitable Richard Blumenthal.
People possessing actual talent (but who were not news people), from the Praises of Zion Gospel Choir to Natalie Brown, a singer from Hartford Stage had their appearances were cut off to go to the same set of commercials from Bank of America and Foxwoods that kept cycling over and over.
But there was way too much Haney, especially when he sang songs that had less to do with the holiday and more to do with his ambition to become a choir boy again, singing lead on “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Ave Maria.”
If there was joy for children, it will come at the Channel 3 Camp that will benefit from the show (though it was unclear from the benefit how).
Of course, this is only my opinion. Let's listen to the reaction of weekend anchor Irene O'Connor, who was in fact, also in the show. She uses exclamation marks when writes about in her own blog:
The joy for the kids concert at the Hartford Stage was a huge success! It was sold out for months and every single act was pure joy! Scot Haney pours his whole heart into this show, his songs and music were so amazing this year!
If I were more savvy about YouTube, these performances would be on the internet by now for your enjoyment. In leiu of that, it'll be on the air twice again, Dec. 24 at 12:35 a.m. and Dec. 25 at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. You really have to see it to believe it.
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