Irving Berlins White Christmas

This was my first time viewing an Opus production with my NODA hat on. I was in for a treat. Who doesn’t love this feel good show with such memorable music. Not me I’m a big fan.

We were introduced to four of the male leads right at the start. Bob Wallace (Alan Matheson) whose silky voice did old ‘Bing’ proud. A very feisty Phil Davis was played by a well matched Millar Young. Ross Robertson completed the initial trio playing the wise cracking Ralf Sheldrake with great style. Then on came General Henry Waverly (Graeme Baird) who took command of the trio and the stage. Excellent casting and all well matched to their characters.

The principal ladies also did the company and the audience proud. A sweet idealistic Betty Hayes played by Gill Matheson and her sassy younger sister Judy (Emma Brand) grabbed our attention with their rendition of ‘Sisters’. I know you shouldn’t have favourites but I love this song. As the story moves on we meet the housekeeper Martha Watson impressively portrayed by Alison Niven who wowed us all with her number ‘Let me Sing and I am Happy’. Lastly but by no means least we have the delightful Susan Waverly (Natasha McNaughton), she gave us all a lesson in projection and stage presence. Well done young lady!

A show is not a show without the supporting cast. This bunch were on the ball, lovely singing, super characterisation and co-ordinated dancing. Some very clever comic touches and characters and a spectacular finale completed the overall feel of a happy show. You all did your production team proud. Special mention must go to the clever use of staging and the hard working stage crew. Finally the lighting, sound, costumes and props were all of a high standard. Good work team!

My personal thanks for the excellent hospitality and warm welcome.  Hope to see more from this company in the near future.

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