SKOKIE, Ill.—When the song “White Christmas,” written by Irving Berlin (1888–1989) was originally performed in the 1942 movie musical “Holiday Inn,” it was overshadowed by “Be Careful, It’s My Heart,” also by Berlin. But it didn’t take long before “White Christmas” became the bigger hit. World War II had recently broken out, and soldiers overseas loved the song’s lyrics as they longed for days “just like the ones I used to know.” Being away from home, the song took on new meaning for them.
“Holiday Inn” did so well at the box office that Hollywood decided to reprise it, with a few changes, in the 1954 film musical “White Christmas,” named after the iconic song. That movie became even more popular than “Holiday Inn,” so when writers David Ives and Paul Blake were looking to write a new show, adapting that film into a stage musical seemed like a good idea.
Ives and Blake didn’t just use the “White Christmas” song in the theatrical musical, though; they added other Berlin songs that had not been in the movie. These include “I Love a Piano” (written by Berlin in 1920), “Blue Skies” (1926), “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” (sung by Al Jolson in 1930), “How Deep is the Ocean?” (1932), “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” (1937), and others.
Skokie’s ‘White Christmas’
Because the two playwrights featured so many tunes from the Berlin songbook, they titled the show “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” and now, more than two decades after the show premiered in 2000 in St. Louis, the show is in a fantastic revival at Music Theater Works in Skokie, Illinois.
Tommy Thurston and the cast of "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." Brett Beiner Photography
Elegantly directed by Sasha Gerritson, with inspiring choreography by Clayton Cross, lavish period costumes by designer Elizabeth Monti (whose black and white tuxes and evening gowns in one scene suggest piano keys), and a terrific orchestra conducted by Roger Bingaman—this is a spectacular production.
While the show features more of Berlin’s musical numbers than did the 1954 film, it follows the movie plot closely. It still tells the story of two show business couples who fall in love while trying to save a failing Vermont ski lodge. The idea that love conquers all remains the show’s theme.
Furthermore, the set design by Shane Cinal—with its wooden rafters, green wreaths, Christmas trees, and twinkling Italian lights—not only looks like a yesteryear winter lodge, but also provides colorful and festive images.
Anna Marie Abbate and Kelly Britt in "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." Brett Beiner Photography
Nostalgic Performances
While all the design elements create the atmosphere of a wonderful backwoods country escape, and Berlin’s melodic songs remind one of America’s more innocent times, the show works its spell through superb and charming performances.Tommy Thurston stands out as the thoughtful Bob Wallace, and with his rich vocalization reminds one of Bing Crosby’s portrayal of the character in the movie. Jimmy Hogan delivers a fun-loving comic spin as Phil Davis, the humorous jokester played by Danny Kaye in the film. Kelly Britt is a charmer as Betty Haynes, the Rosemary Clooney part in the film. And golden-voiced Anna Marie Abbate shines as Judy Haynes, reminiscent of Vera-Ellen, who played the role in the movie.
Also contributing nice turns are Brian Rooney, who plays General Henry Waverly, the hapless owner of the inn; and Alicia Berneche as Martha, the sarcastic woman who really runs the inn and who does a great job of belting out “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”
Tommy Thurston (L) and Jimmy Hogan in "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." Brett Beiner Photography
The romantic duets are also highlights, with Thurston and Britt coming together to sing “How Deep is the Ocean?” and a compelling “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep).” In addition, the ensemble does an exhilarating, show-stopping rendition of “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas” that one can’t forget, even long after the show is over.
Of course, there is a delightful and happy ending when the fellows take the women in their arms and give them the kind of kisses that Hollywood was once famous for, all while snow falls from the ceiling to dust the actors and the stage in a winter wonderland cover.
If one wants a warm-hearted, family friendly, nostalgic theatrical entertainment, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is the season’s theatrical production that one won’t want to miss.
‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’
Music Theater Works
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, Ill.
Tickets: 847-673-6300 or NorthShoreCenter.org
Runs: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Closes: Dec. 1, 2022
