There is no other movie so indelibly identified with the holiday season as Irving Berlin’s iconic celluloid musical White Christmas.
Generations have grown up with the understanding that a viewing of the classic 1954 Paramount film is essential to experiencing a traditional “Merry Christmas.” The Jimmy Stewart classic It’s A Wonderful Life is close, but doesn’t quite reach the bar, due primarily to the lack of a catchy score.
So about the only way to up the ante on seasonal sentiment is to put the show on a stage, with live music, dancing and larger-than-life production values, just as Drayton Entertainment has done this holiday season.
The production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas currently on stage at the Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge is based on the film, but features a libretto by David Ives and Paul Blake that includes all the key numbers from the original and enough new material to give the show a feel that’s surprisingly fresh for such well-trod territory.
The decision not to simply clone the movie – there are several characters and scenes here that, while new to movie fans, fit seamlessly into the narrative – was a solid one. The show has a comfortable feel, without any sense of over-familiarity.
In case you’ve been living in a cave with the Grinch for the last 60 years, White Christmas tells the story of army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who team up as a song and dance act after serving in the Second World War. The pair meets singing sisters Betty and Judy Haynes on their travels. Before heading off on a southern vacation, and after falling for Judy, Phil tricks Bob into following the girls to a Vermont inn that just happens to be owned by their former army commander, General Waverly. The performers learn the inn is on the verge of bankrupcy with no snow, no guests, and stacks of bills. In an effort to save the business, Bob and Phil team up with the sisters to create a show in the general’s barn, which also leads to romance for Bob and Betty.
Faced with the formidable task of depicting characters originally portrayed by legendary performers Bing Crosby and Danny Thomas, Jeff Irving (Bob Wallace) and Kyle Blair (Phil Davis) are up to the task, as both possess powerful voices and are equally comfortable cracking jokes or busting moves on the dance floor.
Rachel Crowther as Judy Haynes is absolutely spectacular in a couple of tap numbers with Blair and the entire ensemble shows how to pick ‘em up and set ‘em down on the dizzying I Love a Piano.
Jayme Armstrong is equally strong as the elder Haynes sister and demonstrates a superior singing voice on several numbers, but mostly notably the show stopper Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me.
Victor A. Young as General Henry Waverly, does an amazing job of taking his character from crusty to misty-eyed as required, and has the entire audience pulling for him by show’s end.
Jayne Lewis as Martha Watson, in a role expanded for the stage show, is the general’s overly-involved housekeeper who gets a chance to show her vocal power on a couple of numbers and Anna Bartlam is strong in a smaller role as the general’s young granddaughter.
Kyle Kimbola steals every scene he’s in as the stressed-to-the-max stage manager in charge of getting an impromptu Broadway review staged in a functioning barn.
The rest of the ensemble – Stephen Cota, Ryan Gifford, Caitlin Goguen, Jessica Horn, Sarah Matton, Chad McFadden, Melanie McInenly, Gregory Pember, Jennifer Stewart and Mike Tracz – keep the show moving at the breezy pace dictated by director and choreographer Michael Lichtefeld. The ever-changing set opens up whenever required to allow Lichtefeld to utilize the entire stage for the all-out dance numbers that punctuate the story.
Of course, sound is the key to any such production and music director Michael Barber has the band in top form, whether providing the soft strains of a ballad or pounding out a full-cast dance extravaganza. Costumes and lighting are used to full effect to emulate the lavish technicolour look of the movie, culminating in an impressive final scene that sends the audience home in the proper spirit for the holiday season.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is on stage until Dec. 20. Tickets may be purchased online at dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the Dunfield Theatre box office or by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
