Review: Irving Berlin's White Christmas National Tour

If you're dreaming of a White Christmas this holiday season, look no further than the stages of Texas. Now in its 17th year of spreading festive fun, IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS is the tap-tastic wintery classic that perfectly marries the famous 1954 film with all of your old-fashioned Broadway dreams. And, with tour stops in Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio (three of only six 2017 stops), Texas is in for one super sweet holiday treat.

Just like the famous film, WHITE CHRISTMAS is a romantic musical comedy about a couple of song-and-dance WWII soldiers, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who team up with talented sister duo Betty and Judy Haynes to put on a show. That show debuts in the barn of a Vermont inn, which just so happens to be owned by the soldiers' wartime general, Henry Waverly. After some bumps and challenges, the gang, together with their Broadway pals and hidden gem Martha Watson (who otherwise serves as the inn's go-to gal), creates Christmas magic, with snow falling on the joyful holiday performance.

Although the true stars of WHITE CHRISTMAS are Irving Berlin's hummable tunes, Randy Skinner's flashy choreography, and Carrie Robbins' vibrant costumes, the touring company is peppered with triple-threat singers, dancers, and actors who further raise the bar. Among the cast, Sean Montgomery and Jeremy Benton leave lasting impressions as Bob and Phil, respectively. The pair's chemistry is only rivaled by their effortless approach to the many challenging song and dance numbers they lead. Equally impressive is Broadway's leading lady legend Karen Ziemba as Martha Watson, whose brassy "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" is a major crowd pleaser. The greatest disappointment in the casting department, however, is their too literal approach to achieving a white Christmas (if you catch my drift). As the company's only obvious person of color, Dance Captain Kristyn Pope does manage to shine in the spotlight numerous times throughout the show.

I cannot guarantee DFW will see snowfall this season, but what I can promise is that the glittering winter wonderland currently onstage at Fort Worth's Bass Hall (and visiting the Music Hall at Fair Park from December 5th-10th, followed by a trip to San Antonio's Majestic Theatre from December 12th-17th) is sure to fulfill your Christmas wishes. The tour concludes Fort Worth performances this Sunday, November 19th. Tickets and more information can be found at www.IrvingBerlinsWhiteChristmas.com.

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