LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.—Irving Berlin (1888–1989) never expected his song “White Christmas” to be a big hit. At the time he wrote it in 1940, he thought of it as just a lightweight melody. But when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the song took on a different meaning. As America mobilized for war and soldiers were on their way overseas, everyone longed for days “just like the ones I used to know.”
The Man and the Songs
Berlin’s “White Christmas” song was originally featured in the 1942 black-and-white film “Holiday Inn,” which takes place in Connecticut. It featured Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. The song was then reprised in the 1954 Technicolor movie “White Christmas,” set in Vermont, starring Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney. That second movie became so popular that playwrights David Ives and Paul Blake adapted it into a stage musical.A Jewish immigrant from Russia, Berlin not only composed the most beloved Christmas song of all time, but he also wrote “Easter Parade” and “God Bless America,” which many believe should be our country’s national anthem. Moreover, while the songs from the film are featured in the theatrical musical, some of his other songs that were not in the movie have been included in the musical production.
Production Value
With pitch-perfect direction and stunning choreography by Linda Fortunato; a terrific orchestra conducted by Cameron Tragesser; gorgeous costumes by Sally Dolembo; a stage of green wreaths, sparkling Italian lights, and Christmas trees by scenic designer Jeff Kmiec, the Marriott theater-in-the-round is transformed into a festive and winter lodge complete with drifting snowflakes. These combined make for a spectacular production.
While all the design elements create the atmosphere of a wonderful backwoods country escape, and Berlin’s melodic songs remind theatergoers of America’s more innocent times, the show works its spell because of superb and charming performances.
Ben Mayne is terrific as Bob Wallace, whose wonderful vocalizations are reminiscent of Bing Crosby’s portrayal in the movie, and Tyler Johnson-Campion offers fancy tap footwork as Phil Davis, the Danny Kaye character in the film. The women with whom they fall in love are played by Jacquelyn Jones as Betty Haynes and Kelly Felthous as Judy Haynes. The foursome do a great job of delivering Berlin’s delicious tunes.
The standout highlights of the show are those that have Mayne and Jones singing out “Blue Skies,” a poignant “How Deep is the Ocean?” and “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep).” Furthermore, Johnson-Campion and Felthous deliver a wonderfully harmonizing duet with “I Love a Piano.”
Also contributing nice turns are Robin R. McGee as Martha, the sharp-tongued woman who manages the inn and who does a great job belting out “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy”; and Rom Barkhordar is heartfelt as Gen. Henry Waverly, the hapless owner of the inn. In addition, the ensemble does an exhilarating, show-stopping rendition of “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas” that one won’t forget long after the show’s end.
“White Christmas” is an old-fashioned musical that is an enchanting Christmas gift for all. The Marriott’s production of the classic is a guaranteed way to get in the mood for the holidays.
