White Christmas The Musical

The 1954 film White Christmas, with Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin, starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen and is a timeless classic. The musical adaptation of the film features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and is written by David Ives and Paul Blake. Former soldiers turned entertainers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have their heads turned by sister act Judy and Betty Haynes and follow them to Vermont for a Christmas show in 1954. Unknown to them, the hotel is run by their former General who has fallen on hard times – not helped by the lack of snow. The boys set about organising a big show, calling in a few favours and old friends to help save the hotel but matters are complicated by confusion and tension in their love lives. Bob Wallace is more reserved than Phil Davis who is fun-loving with an eye for the ladies. The four meet up in Vermont and whilst Phil and Judy hit it off instantly, Betty and Bob do not.

The four leads in this production certainly do justice to their roles making them their own. Tony Wain as Bob Wallace and Michael Bailey as Phil Davis made a good double act complimenting each other very well, both having good stage presence. Tony has a superb, warm singing voice displayed in all of his many songs and his natural, effortless performing skills and confidence were a delight to behold – he was just terrific. Loved all of his songs but especially ‘Count Your Blessings’ - it was just beautiful. Michael, as Phil, is the more happy-go-lucky part of the duo and he managed this aspect of the role admirably. He too has a good singing voice and is also quite adept at dancing which was particularly in evidence when, partnered by Judy, he divinely danced his way through ‘I Love a Piano’. Alison Wheatley captured perfectly the reserved and thoughtful nature of Betty whilst Korina Steed, as her sister Judy, was bright and bubbly and is quite an accomplished dancer. Both had lovely singing voices and the rendition of 'Sisters' was sublime (as was that executed by Tony and Phil - loved the sock suspenders). Both ladies wore some lovely outfits but sadly, I felt that their respective wigs did them no favours at all. Martha Watson, the busybody receptionist/housekeeper was superbly portrayed by Sara Evans. She commanded the stage, making the most of the comedic aspects of the role and sang her part with great gusto. Andrew Bailey was dignified and compassionate as General Henry Waverley, his finale speech was well delivered and rather moving. Great support came from Kevin Allen as Sheldrake, a producer, and Thomas Bailey as Stage Manager, Mike Nulty. Although Thomas is one of the younger society members, he oozed confidence and was extremely forthright and demanding of his ‘cast’. Jessica Espin was adorable as Susan Waverley, the General’s granddaughter. She has great stage presence, a lovely singing voice, excellent acting skills and such maturity for one so young – a definite star in the making. Rita and Rhoda, sexy, sassy chorus girls, were delightfully played by Amy Measures and Amy Gaunt, Pat Quinn was most amusing as the slow-talking, one-pace-only handyman, Ezekeil Foster and good support came from members in minor roles and from the large chorus. This is a bright and breezy song and dance show and the three choreographers did a first-rate job not only in coping with this large cast on such a small stage but also in providing them with inventive dance routines which they carried out so well, especially the lovely tap numbers. The final number in the Barn Theatre, where everyone was in red and white outfits, was just fabulous, from the wonderful singing of ‘White Christmas’ to the opening of the barn doors revealing a lovely snow scene and adding the final touch, a cascade of snowflakes – such a heart-warming moment, just perfect. Lovely costumes, the superb big-band sound from the eight piece orchestra, good props and effective sound and lighting all added to make this a splendid show and a glorious start to the festive season. Congratulations to everyone involved. 

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