White Christmas

Irving Berlin’s music sets the scene and the cast rose to the occasion. The story follows two stage stars to Vermont to see a song and dance act of two sisters and where they meet their former esteemed General whose hotel is on the verge of folding. They propose a Christmas Show to raise funds and take it from there- misunderstandings, problems and love.  Setting the show in context was a strong Simon Thomas as Sheldrake. The pairing of Ross Nicol and Antony Carter as the stage duo Bob Wallace and Phil Davis worked well. Ross Nicol’s rich voice charmed the audience and Antony’s nifty footwork impressed.  Also well matched were the Haynes sisters: Gillian Gray as the scheming Judy was in fine voice and Chris Taylor as Betty brought out the insecurities and misunderstandings in the role. All four are accomplished singers who brought the songs to life. Another fine singer was Jennie Wilkie in the role of Martha, the hard-headed receptionist with a heart of gold. Her effortless voice control was admirable and when she, along with Judy and Betty harmonised in Falling out of Love Can Be Fun, we were blown away. The role of General Waverly suited Ken Christie like a glove and his relationship with his granddaughter, the precocious yet innocent Susan played this night by Harriet Holden, was a delight. The Oxydol pair of Rita and Rhoda, namely Carolyn Johnstone and Susan Macfarlane, were impeccably dressed, juicily catty and giggled wonderfully. Shirley McNulty as put-upon stage manager became more frantic every entrance while Bill Anderson as sardonic Ezekiel brought the house down in his spotlight moment. Lovely moments were created on the train with Malcolm McNulty as Snoring Man and Jan Higgins his wife. All was underpinned by a chorus on their toes song wise and dance wise and dressed beautifully.  The opening scene of the battlefield, the black and white scene, the blue skies scene and of course the red and white finale contributed to this marvellous show.

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