White Christmas

The stage show is based upon the popular 1954 movie of the same name with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin staring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The musical premiered in the year 2000 and has become a popular choice for many societies performing at this time of year.

The show opens with our two male leads Bob Wallace played by Paul Mitchell and Phil Davis played by Ryan Allen- Rose performing for the 151st division on Christmas Eve 1944 somewhere in Europe. Opening numbers of ‘Happy Holiday’ and ‘White Christmas’ put us in the mood for this Christmas spectacular. During the opening scene we also encounter Ralph Sheldrake played by John Reeves and General Henry Waverly played by Tim Eagleton both of whom we are going to see later as the show progresses.

Jump 10 years and Bob and Phil are successful entertainers appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show with Ralph as the producer. Both Paul Mitchell and Ryan Allen-Rose fulfilled the need to portray their respective characters well. They both manged to sing and dance their way through the whole show with ease, conviction and believability. One the fun-loving character while the other was more level headed. 

Bob and Phil meet sisters Judy and Betty Haynes played well by Laura Woodall and Emma Samson who introduced themselves to us with their rendition of ‘Sisters’. This was only to be overshadowed by the reprise in act two when the male leads performed this number. Laura and Emma also worked well together, and both had good singing voices.

Bob believes he is going to Florida with Phil. However, Phil has other ideas and wishes to follow the sisters to Vermont for the holiday.

On route to Vermont the whole chorus sang ‘Snow’ and although only minor roles I did enjoy the performances played by Matt Bridgewater and Eleanor Peberdy as Mr and Mrs Snore both making the most out of this scene.

Once the four arrive at Vermont they check in to The Columbia Inn. The inn is managed by Martha Watson and General Henry Waverly and his daughter Susan Waverly.  Martha Watson a onetime Broadway star was the main comic role in the show and was in the capable hands of Ann Mayor. Her comic timing and dry delivery of one liners was faultless and she was a highlight of the show including her excellent performance of, ‘Let me Sing and I’m Happy’.  Tim Eagleton gave a fine performance as the General as did Kirsty Vale as Susan who sang the reprise of ‘Let me Sing and I’m Happy’ with confidence.  

Other roles included Roz Chalk and Kelly Mitchell as rather giggly Rita and Rhoda and Samuel Smith as the rather frustrated Mike Nulty – the stage manager. Matt Bridgewater made a second appearance as Ezekiel Foster during which he made the most of the character.

The large chorus sang well throughout their numbers and the dancers came into their own and deserve a mention as they were a delight to watch. Therefore, congratulations to Hannah Finch, Sophie Hill, Carole Massey, Deborah Mitchell, Danielle Purkess, Cassie Rivett, Joy Sidaway and Lisa Smith. The stage was at times very full with the whole chorus in place but good to see so many members of the society wanting to take part in the show. I would however have liked to have seen a bit more attention to some hairstyles with chorus members as some did not look as though, they were in the mid 1950’s.

The music was in the safe hands of Joe George and eleven musicians. As always with Joe the band played well together and sounded good throughout. At no time was the band over powering meaning the cast were not having to battle against them to be heard.

With just over a month before Christmas the show was a great way to start the count down to a special time of year not least with the final costumes, Christmas tree, snow effect and audience participation. 

Redditch Operatic Society were able to announce their show for next year and I most certainly look forward to Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber next November followed by Shrek: The Musical in 2020.

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