Work Light Productions and the Nederlander Organization recently brought back the much-beloved classic holiday musical Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, enchanting audiences during its limited one-week run through Dec. 4. The show features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin with book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and is based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song, the entire production is a merry and bright holiday experience for the entire family!
For those who remember Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen in the 1954 movie, Sean Montgomery steps into Crosby’s role as Captain Bob Wallace while Jeremy Benton takes on Kaye’s role as Private Phil Davis. Joining them is the dynamic duo Kerry Conte as Betty Haynes and Kelly Sheehan as Judy Haynes, the sister act who steal the men’s hearts. This dynamic quartet powers the show from start to finish, with each number more thrilling to watch than the last!
Lorna Luft stuns with a belting voice reminiscent of Ethel Merman as she reprises the role of Martha Watson with Conrad John Schuck as General Waverly. Others include Dave Schoonover as Ralph Sheldrake, Aaron Galligan-Stierle as Mike Nulty, Frank Ridley as the very laid back Ezekiel Foster and Clancy and Samantha Penny as Susan Waverly. Rounding out the company are Kelly Black, Maria Rose Briggs, Elish Conlon, Laurie DiFilippo, Sarah Fagan, Matthew Kilgore, Danny McHugh, Chris McNiff, Kara Mikula, Bryan Charles Moore, Kristyn Pope, Jake Primmerman, Sean Quinn, Rachel Rhodes-Devey, Jessica Wockenfuss and John T. Wolfe. The entire touring company shines with the wondrous joy of the holiday season.
The creative team includes direction and choreography by Randy Skinner, scenic design by Anna Louizos, scenic supervision and adaptation by Kenneth Foy, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel. The tour is produced by agreement with R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company.
Though performances ended at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 4, those travelling during the holidays can catch the marvelous production in Salt Lake City, from Dec. 6-11; San Francisco from Dec. 14-24, and Sacramento from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, 2017, Visit the official show site: www.whitechristmasthemusical.com
