The classic Christmas story is just as heartwarming on stage as it was on the screen
I love Christmas, I really do, but I am definitely of the mind that you wait for one holiday to be celebrated before you start gearing up for the next. However, getting to see Irving Berlin’s White Christmas before Thanksgiving was a real treat. I left the Johnstown playhouse singing Christmas songs (probably because of the singalong at the end) and loving the snow-covered landscape of northern Colorado at night.
Directed by Kate Vallee and based on the Bing Crosby motion picture we all know and love, White Christmas is the story of former war buddies turned touring entertainers a decade after World War II. Searching for a sister act (and love), Bob Wallace (Scott Hurst Jr) and Phil Davis (Nathan Petit) follow sisters, Judy (Sara Kowalski) and Betty Hayes (Maryann Dutcher), to a small Vermont inn.
There, they discover that the innkeeper is their former commander, Gen. Waverly (Kent Sugg). He is struggling to keep the inn afloat, and together, they devise a plan to spread some Christmas spirit and cheer up “The Old Man” (one of many songs sung by the whole cast in the Christmas eve show).
With a production team comprised of 14 designers, managers, directors and artists — even including a wig designer — you know you’re in for a big show. Costumes (and wigs) were elaborate and plentiful. I overheard my server (part of the ensemble) telling a table that she alone had 12 costume changes. I lost track around costumes seven or eight. Each costume was bigger and more brilliant than the last.
Maryann Dutcher, Samantha Jo Staggs and Sara Kowalski | Photo: Matthew Gale Photography
On a rather simple stage, consisting of the barn at the inn where the holiday show takes place, the actors dance and sing and fall in (and out) of love. Adding to the big feel of the production and the big musical numbers is nine-member orchestra.
Stealing the show for me was young actor, Adeleia Odekirk who plays Gen. Waverly’s granddaughter, Susan Waverly. Caught up in the excitement of putting on a show, young Susie, er Susan, is eager to participate and join in the show business.
In her “audition,” she reprises “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.” Indeed, this seems to be the theme of the entire show. Along with the song “I Love a Piano,” the production seems to be one big love letter to art and music and, of course, show business.
White Christmas will be at The Candlelight for eight weeks, all through the holidays. This is a slightly shorter run, but the theatre makes up for by having eight shows a week whenever possible. Beginning Nov. 29, there will be additional shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday evenings. As Christmas nears, they will add some extra matinee performances as well.
With all these extra shows, you should have plenty of time to check out this feel-good performance filled with songs you know by heart and the opportunity to join in on the fun. This show would also be great for kids of all ages. If you see only one holiday show this season, Candlelight’s White Christmas would be a good bet.
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