A heartfelt story about love, friendship, and loyalty will make days merry and bright this holiday season as Irving Berlin’s White Christmas takes centre stage at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge, from Nov. 18 to Dec. 20.
“White Christmas is the perfect family musical to get everyone in the spirit of the season,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment in a press release. “We are thrilled to present this classic holiday musical to our audience in Cambridge.”
Based on the beloved 1954 film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a pair of Second World War vets who became friends when they entertained the troops and are now partners in a successful song-and-dance act after the war.
Before flying to Florida to enjoy the weather and perform in a holiday show, the duo follow a beautiful sister act to a gig at a Vermont lodge, which happens to be owned by their former army commander General Waverly. Wallace and Davis soon discover that the innkeeper is down on his luck financially with no snow, no guests, and many unpaid bills. It’s up to this entertaining team to save the inn and fall in love with the beautiful sisters along the way.
The uplifting musical features a dazzling score with such well known standards as Happy Holidays, Blue Skies, Sisters, and the perennial favourite, White Christmas.
Renowned director and choreographer, Michael Lichtefeld leads this production with an impressive list of credits including a number of musicals on Broadway and Off-Broadway, many seasons at the Stratford Festival, and past Drayton Entertainment hits including South Pacific (2014), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Guys and Dolls (2011), Sweet Charity starring Cynthia Dale (2010) and Evita (2009).
Joining Lichtefeld on the creative team are music director Michael Barber, costume designer Jenine Kroeplin and lighting designer Kevin Fraser.
Audiences will be delighted by the talent in this production, which includes Jeff Irving and Kyle Blair as army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. Leading ladies Jayme Armstrong and Rachel Crowther portray the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy.
Drayton Entertainment favourite Victor A. Young will take on the role of General Henry Waverly, with Jayne Lewis as Martha Watson and Anna Bartlam as the general’s granddaughter Susan.
The ensemble includes Stephen Cota, Ryan Gifford, Caitlin Goguen, Jessica Horn, Sarah Matton, Chad McFadden, Melanie McInenly, Gregory Pember, Jennifer Stewart and Mike Tracz.
Regular performance tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $32. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
With an exceptional cast, heart-warming story and catchy musical numbers, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is guaranteed to be the hit of the holidays, theatre officials state.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the theatre box office, or by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
