Irving Berlin’s music is familiar, loveable, singable,
danceable.
Town Hall Arts Center’s holiday musical production presents the
fairly recent (2008) Broadway musical version based on the hit 1954
movie Paramount classic musical “White Christmas.” Featuring 17
Berlin songs and a cast of 21 that includes familiar THAC
performers and a few new faces, it’s directed by the experienced
Sharlene Wanger.
Readers probably recall the tale of Bob and Phil (Scott McLean
and Chris Starkey), successful of song and dance men who had met in
the Army. (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye played these roles in the
movie).
Interested in a pair of musical sisters, Betty and Judy (Mary
McGroary and Rachel Turner), they follow them to Vermont, where the
girls (they called them girls in the ’40s) have a Christmas gig.
The train scene en route is a bit jumbled, but funny.
Turns out the owner of the inn is their former, much-loved
General Waverly (Jim Hunt), who is having a hard time making ends
meet. He’s thinking about returning to the Army and the song “What
Can You Do With a General?” reflects the woes of the millions of
job searchers today.
Bob and Phil bring their New York cast to Vermont and call in
the troops to see the show at the inn, thereby making a most happy
holiday indeed.
Manning the front desk at the inn is former, and very much
wannabe again, performer Martha Watson (played by veteran actress
Deborah Persoff, who pretty much steals her scenes, especially “Let
Me Sing and I’m Happy”).
Ellie Schwartz, an award-winning young actress who has played at
Arvada Center, Denver Center and Colorado Shakespeare Festival in
the past year, plays Waverly’s sweet granddaughter Susan.
Highlights: several big song and dance numbers with lots of tap
dancers, precisely fitted on Town Hall’s small stage by
choreographer Kelly Kates and smoothly executed by a hard working
cast. Starkey and Turner star in “The Best Things Happen While
You’re Dancing,“ backed by the ensemble.
McLean’s mellow voice takes the lead in most numbers and blends
well with McGroary’s strong presence.
While this isn’t close to the dynamic piece audiences found in
the recent staging of “Rent,” it’s a pleasant show, if a bit bland,
for families to enjoy during the holiday season, tailored to Town
Hall’s market, yet probably flashy enough dance-wise to engage
kids.
Tina Anderson’s set and Jimmy Miller’s period costumes work well
and Donna Debreceni’s music tracks are recorded for this cast. (We
wish the budget allowed for a live band). Lighting by Jennifer
Zedalis and sound design by Steve Stevens helped tie it all
together into a cheerful, finished production.
If you go:
“White Christmas,” based on the classic Paramount film, plays
through Dec. 26 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St. Downtown
Littleton. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2
p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $26 to $40. 303-794-2787 ext 5, www.townhallartscenter.com.
