In our corner of the world we have so many reasons to count our blessings – among them can surely be the first-class local theatres that provide us so many joys.
If you’re worried and you can’t sleep, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in theatrical resplendence will bring on the merry and bright, as it did on opening night at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
Based on the classic 1954 film, the play from Drayton Entertainment regales the audience with non-stop dancing, singing, laughter and lessons on true friendship and loyalty. The theatrical version is shorter on dialogue and on sentiment, focusing on the fun and lively spectacle that has the audience enraptured.
Including some of the most beloved holiday songs ever, White Christmas opens with Second World War army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis entertaining their comrades with a show that includes the title song. In the backdrop of war, “White Christmas” is most poignant.
Their general, Hank Waverly, breaks the spell with his tough demeanor. Post war, Bob and Phil become successful entertainers and cross paths with Betty and Judy Haynes, a singing sister act. A ruse lands them all in Vermont as entertainers at an inn. Here they discover their old general as innkeeper and apparently he should have stuck with the army. As the couples are falling in love and dealing with the usual misunderstandings, they create a Broadway show in the general’s barn that will bring back the crowds, and the snow as serendipity.
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney were the stars of the movie and it became their legacy.
Jeff Irving and Kyle Blair as Bob Wallace and Phil Davis do not attempt to imitate the idiosyncrasies of their predecessors, but they do present their roles with energy, appeal and strong voice.
“Happy Holidays” and “Blue Skies” are among the classics they perform that inspire.
The accomplished Jayme Armstrong and dynamic Rachel Crowther, as the Haynes sisters, bedazzle in their many numbers such as “Sisters,” the much loved and oft parodied song of yesteryear.
Victor A. Young plays the retired U.S. Army general. He brings drama and moving sentiment to the show in his role, as it becomes apparent he is not so tough after all.
Jayne Lewis plays the no-nonsense Martha Watson, the general’s helper at the inn. When she breaks into “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” the entire audience certainly takes notice.
Singing the reprise, the winsome and talented Anna Bartlam adds a dollop of sweetness as the generals’ granddaughter. It is here that some updated dialogue is noticeable, and is incorporated with a twinkle.
Thomas Alderson as the stressed-out-and-loving-it stage manager Mike brings laughter each time he appears on stage.
Director and choreographer, Michael Lichtefeld has utilized his broad experience to exact a flawless performance.
Seen only on the screen but heard with appreciation, music director Elizabeth Baird leads Michael Barber on keys, Bob Hewus on bass, Kevin Dempsey on drums, Ray Podhornik on trumpet, and Dave Wiffen on alto sax/clarinet/flute.
The ever-changing set and brilliant costumes were so impressive with their rich colours and details. The set changes from army camp to smoky nightclub, and cozy inn lobby to lofty barn, without a squeak. So magical were the sets, that there were murmurs among the audience that drafts of cold air were felt along with the appearance of the beautiful snow.
White Christmas is on stage through Dec. 29.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com, in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse box office or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
