White Christmas on Broadway

[CukorLover]

Posted: 11/14/08 at 11:41pm

I've just now joined BW and although I did see Billy Elliott earlier this week, and loved it, I figure enough has been said about that show for now. I saw White Christmas as well, so here ya go:

Every year at around this time I pull out my DVD of the classic holiday movie, White Christmas. It puts me in the Holiday spirit and what would the season be without Bing Crosby crooning out White Christmas ?

Unfortunately, the new musical of the same title didn't evoke the same warm and fuzzy response from me as from the movie it is based upon.

At the conclusion of World War II, Bob Wallace (Stephen Bogardus) and Phil Davis (Jeffry Denman) become the hottest singing and dancing duo in America. Their popularity spreads even faster with TV shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show.

After meeting a singing sister act , Betty and Judy Haynes (Kerry O'Malley and Meredith Paterson), Bob and Phil are sidetracked from spending Christmas in New York and end up in Vermont with the girls. When they get there, the two ex-Army men find their former leader, General Thomas F. Waverly (Charles Dean), keeping house as the owner of a struggling inn.

“White Christmas: The Musical” has some of Irving Berlin's best music with the performances of these songs being the strongest part of this production.The device of having Bob & Phil reprise "Sister's" worked better on film, but only a few of these adaptations are a deterrent in the new script by David Ives.

Stephen Bogardus has a natural charm and swagger reminiscent of BingCrosby and does more than justice to his songs. He's a pretty good dancer too. Jeffry Denman on the other hand, is quite the song and dance man. He can do it all: sing, dance & act. My only problem with him is that I didn't feel he had much charisma onstage. He falls into the Ray Bolger/Danny Kaye character type, but just seems to miss the mark in star qual-a-tee. Kerry O'Malley possesses a sultry and rich voice and her tribute to Rosemary Clooney in 'Love You Didn't Do Right by Me" certainly hits the mark. Meredith Patterson was a revelation to me. This gal can sing, wisecrack with the best of them and dance like a dream. It's too bad that the lackluster
choreography by Randy Skinner did nothing to showcase her abilities to the
max ( think Vera Ellen). His tap numbers come off best, yet are very reminiscent of his workings in 42nd street. The steps themselves are not very challenging or creative and the big production numbers never seem to build or reach a peak. Kudos to the ensemble though who try their best and present the material with energy and enthusiasm.

The fleshing out of the housekeeper Martha Watson character seemed unnecessary but rather welcome. Susan Mansur did a terrific job in her numbers and was a refreshing presence. A dynamic combination of Ethel Merman & Carol Burnett complete with a Lucy Ricardo “do”.

Director Walter Bobbie directs the show at a lightning pace. It brings to mind the film work of maestros George Cukor ( The Women) and Gregory LaCava (Stagedoor), but unfortunately what conventions work on film don't necessarily
translate to stage. The finale with the General was also poorly conceived and I have to wonder why that wasn't presented more convincingly given the tenure of this musical. (It's been around since 2004).

The orchestrations and the orchestra are magnificent , with special kudos to Bruce Pomahac who did the dance arrangements.

Part inevitable romance, part tribute to the troops, White Christmas is feel-good fluff filled with beautiful voices and performances, but it's too long. The first Act scenes especially drag on and on. Despite the rapid fire dialogue there are too many inconsequential scenes where little happens or where the plot starts to repeat itself like the songs.

So while it is certainly not a bad production, I feel this show misses the mark. I get more seasonal enjoyment out of the 90 minute Radio City Music Hall Spectacular. Sans those beautiful Irving Berlin melodies though.

[justme2]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 12:05am

Wow...not the reaction I expected from anyone.

Regarding the choreography, I had the opposite reaction you did when I saw this show. I thought it was the best I had seen in any show in years and was happy to see a bit of the old fashioned song and dance action happening again!

Sounds like you had a good time anyway...it's a good way to kick off the holidays.

edit: I forgot to ask, you mention all the leads from the movie and that makes me think you expected perhaps a replication of the movie or were basing your enjoyment of th cast off of your expectations of the 50's film performances? I did the same thing when I saw the stage show, but was actually happy when it WASN'T a replica of the movie. I thought this stage version did a much better job with the song and dance additions.

Updated On: 11/15/08 at 12:05 AM

[mallardo]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 6:27am

I haven't seen Jeffrey Denman in this but I have seen him in other shows where he oozed charisma. I'm surprised.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 10:20am

We had a production of the show here in Toronto last year and while enjoyable, I too thought they missed the mark.

The move's script is pretty thin (even on the DVD commentary Rosemary Clooney admits some of the plot twists still don't make sense to her) BUT because of the chemistry between Crosby and Clooney, it works. Crosby and Kaye play off each other well and if Vera Ellen doesn't seem the ideal romantic partner for Kaye, they do dance up a storm.

Let's face it; we watch the movie every year for the songs. (It's my favourite film to watch while wrapping because you don't really have to watch it...just listen to it.)

<<>>
On stage it seemed so plastic... forced situations (Martha's stage ambitions) and a lot of obvious jokes all at the expense of character development. Without that character development, the already thing script virtually disappears. Still the songs and dances offered plenty of razzle dazzle and, at least here in Toronto they made is snow inside the theatre for the finale!

[Bwayidiot]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 10:34am

In interviews the director and cast members have stated that they did not want to try and copy the film characters. My personal opinion is that they have done a wonderful job of expanding the story to a full evening's entertainment.

[stagescreen]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 12:32pm

How many musicians play in the pit at the Marquis for WHITE CHRISTMAS? I can't seem to find it on IBDB or in any press releases.

The cast recording has 32 musicians -- love the orchestrations (Larry Blank- orch. & Bruce Pohamac - Vocal and Dance Arrangements) for this show, and hope that it's just as lush at the Marquis.

[justme2]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:37pm

I think that's my point as well...if someone is going into the theater looking for a carbon copy of the 50's movie (which this show does NOT profess to be) they are going to be disappointed, as the story has been tweaked (for the better, IMO) and there are more Irving Berlin trunk songs in use instead of the exact ones in the movie (again, for the better, IMO).

I never understood the devotion to the movie, I've seen it and thought it was merely ok. It certainly isn't on my must view list for the holidays.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:45pm

Not for $ 140 bucks

Go see the Christmas show @ Radio City. It is worth it.

[justme2]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:56pm

What not for $140? This show? I never paid that. Did you? And not enjoy it?

How much ar tix for the Radio City show now? I've never seen that show and always wanted to.

[Dancin Thru Life]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 7:33pm

WOW!

Who would pay $140 to see this?
I love the show, but you're crazy to pay that much.

Drive to the nearest tour stop, where many of the venues have top-priced seats for under $50!

Same show on the road, and often times with even "better" talent than Broadway!

Merry Christmas!

:)

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 7:46pm

The stars, old-timeyness and Hollywood cheese are what make the movie so lovable. None of those can be done onstage. And it's way too expensive. That's why I'm not interested.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 10:03pm

I saw this Friday night.
My Playbill isn't handy at the moment, but I do recall a large orchestra. I could give an exact count later.
I LOVED it. A great musical in the old school fashion.. Yes, the plot my be paper thin and the characters my be broad caricatures with lots of heart, but that is what it is going for. That was the standard style of the day.. and it works.
Kudos to Anna Louizos on a FANTASTIC set. I loved the economy in her design and just how rich and elaborate it was.. and the set changes were always stunning to me. Wonderful.
I sat waiting for the snowfall at the end and wished I had been just a few rows forward and not just behind the mezzanine overhand. I suppose I will lottery for a return visit!

[nycdncr]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 9:20am

i believe there are 24 musicians in the pit.

[BroadwayBelle2]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 10:21am

I will only see this at a discount price. $140 is way to much, especially with the holidays approaching.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 10:59am

adamgreer said something in another thread about a lotto... anyone have details on it?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 11:03am

Jordangirl...

Signup is in front of the box office (by the Christmas tree) ninety minutes before the performance. One hour before the show, they draw the names. They're raffling off 22 front row tickets, which you purchase immediately, for $26.50, cash only.

Last night there looked to be about 40-50 people there.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 11:08am

I believe that the Marriott Marquis also offers standing room when the show is sold out. I know I stood for "Me and My Girl" at that theatre.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 11:18am

Thanks. So basically like Drowsy. :)

[Jersey Girl2]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 11:38am

I went last night- LOVED IT!
I used code mail01 and had 3rd row seats for $85.

[Trish2]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 8:24pm

I saw it this weekend as well as wasn't very impressed. A slight story that worked better on film, and a tad too long in this staging. Cast is strong though with Bogardus coming off best. You can't go wrong listening to that beautiful Irving Berlin music, yet the productions numbers are rather simple and not that engaging. Sort of a letdown for Holiday fare.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 8:30pm

I saw it last night.

I have never seen the movie, and I don't think that should matter. If you want to see the movie, stay home and pop in the DVD.

The show currently playing at the Marquis is MUSICAL THEATRE HEAVEN!

The show is beyond incredible. The cast exceeded my expectations for any Broadway musical. They were flawless and pitch perfect.

Jeffry Denman is a STAR!

The dancing was absolutely JAW DROPPING! I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

These people are filled with SUCH TALENT!

I encourage everyone to get tickets and see what is in my opinion one of the best new musicals on Broadway this season, thus far.

The show is a TOTAL JOY.

[justme2]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 10:20pm

LOL- WBAF, your review and excitement remind me of mine in Nov 2004, when I joined this site specifically to rave about this show.

I cannot understand anyone not enjoying those dance numbers! Those performers OWN the stage and this show is a great example of all the elements of song, dance, sets and costumes coming together and dazzling the audience.

And yes, please, can we stop attempting to compare this show to the 50's film? That's not what this show ever professed to want to copy. Enjoy it on it's own merits. It has plenty!

[WestVillage]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 11:12pm

Oh please, the show was a huge bore. I saw it last night and couldn't believe how dreadfully dull it was. The best thing about the show is the sets. The dancing is fine, but it never rises to the levels it should. Its musical theatre by the numbers. Performances are ok, but there was something just so plastic and insincere about it. The only time the show came to life was when Susan Mansur was onstage. Otherwise ... snoozefest. Anyone who thinks this is "musical comedy heaven" hasn't seen much musical comedy. Its a typical tourist trap musical that doesn't even evoke any holiday spirit. The Radio City Christmas show has so much more holiday cheer than this mediocre production. The only reason it gets a standing ovation at the end is because snow falls on the audience. Wow.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 11:17pm

Anyone who thinks this is "musical comedy heaven" hasn't seen much musical comedy.

I said MUSICAL THEATRE HEAVEN, which, in my opinion, it is. And I have seen PLENTY of musical theatre, thank you very much.

I see that you didn't like it. You're entitled.

[WestVillage]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 11:37pm

Musical THEATRE heaven: the original 42nd Street, Ruby Keeler in No No Nanette, Angela in Mame, Carol in Dolly, On Your Toes, the original Les Miz, ACL, Bernadette and Mandy in Sunday, Merman in Gypsy, Judy in Bells are Ringing, Nathan and Faith in Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, just to name a few. White Christmas is nowhere in the league of any of those shows.