Review: Stunning WHITE CHRISTMAS Returns to the Pantages for One Week Only

White Christmas The Musical/book by David Ives and Paul Blake/music & lyrics by Irving Berlin/directed & choreographed by Randy Skinner/Pantages Theatre/through December 4 only

White Christmas, always a treat on film (1954), creates a unique and refreshing glow on stage. The original Broadway and touring productions - the first national tour played the Pantages in 2005 - were gloriously directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Randy Skinner, who turned the second act opener "I Love a Piano" into one of the most inventive and lively tap sequences ever. Now in a short tour and directed and choreographed by Skinner, White Christmas The Musical finally returns to the Pantages but only for a week, through December 4. This is a sparkling production with terrifically paced staging and superior choreography by Skinner and a sturdy acting ensemble which includes the presence of the delightfully funny Lorna Luft as Martha Watson. Yes, it's a frothy concoction and weak on plot, but so heartwarming and... with the spectacular Irving Berlin tunes, who cares? Run to get tickets while they are available!

Fans of the movie remember that the action begins in 1944 on Christmas Eve in a war zone as soldiers/song and dance aficionados Bob Wallace and Phil Davis put on a show for the troops. FYI, Wallace is played straight.forward yet with high heart by Sean Montgomery and Davis. with great energy and exuberance by Jeremy Benton. In the next scene where the calendar moves ahead to 1954, Davis and Wallace are still partners but dancing on Broadway and on TV's The Ed Sullivan Show. They fall in love with the Haynes Sisters, Kerry Conte as Betty and Kelly Sheehan as Judy, who, by the way, deliver bright, truly riveting performances. On another uplifting note, Sheehan and Benton make sublime dance partners. As Judy and Phil they fall instantly in love, whereas Bob and Betty, due to Bob's restraint and insecurity, have difficulties establishing a rapport. But, never fear, for love does win out! Even the boys' former general General Henry Waverly, played sternly but with nice touches of kindness by Conrad John Schuck, shows up again as proprietor of the Pine Tree Inn in Vermont. Here's where we meet his assistant, switch board operator, love interest Martha Watson, played with delicious comedic skill by Luft. There's the general's precocious granddaughter Susan with Clancy and Samantha Penny alternating skillfully in the role. In fact, the entire ensemble are top-notch. Standouts in the featured player category are Krystyn Pope and Elish Conlon as the silly laugh.at.anything dancers Rita and Rhoda and Frank Ridley, who is absolutely hilarious as the poker faced, almost zombied janitor Ezekiel.

Irving Berlin's standards are some of the best songs ever written, and the show contains many not used in the film. The stage score includes: "Sisters", "Happy Holiday", "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy", "Count Your Blessings", "Blue Skies", "How Deep Is the Ocean", "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and of course, "I Love a Piano" and the title tune. Ives' and Blake's book stays faithful to the original film story, and although thin on plot, corny and sentimental, it's one of the most memorable, engaging pieces of fluff in existence. And youngsters are going to see it, so, irregardless of what they think or say, its legacy lives on. Bravo!

Kenneth Foy's adaptation of Anna Louizos' scenic design and Carrie Robbins' costumes are dazzling, in the spirit of all-out Christmas cheer. Don't miss this lovely White Christmas now on stage at the Pantages through December 4 only! For me, who grew up a tried and true New Englander, the Christmas season is never the same without Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Go and savor!

www.HollywoodPantages.com

To post a comment, you must register and login.