[yasr_overall_rating]
“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written! Give everyone the gift they’re dreaming of with this merry and bright holiday musical.
The Army’s 151st Division is music to weathered ears. At a time when the temperature is unseasonably warm, it is refreshing to see this bright cast of talented actors bring a blissfully White Christmas to our hearts and minds. Bob Wallace (Sean Montgomery) and Phil Davis’s (Jeremy Benton) joyful harmonies take us to Pine Tree, Vermont, to experience the cold days of Christmas and the impact of war. While the two seem to be joined at the hip musically, their ideas of wine, women and song clash dramatically in a hilarious and heartwarming story that transcends the miles and mental anguish of hoping for better days, avoidance of General Henry Waverly (Conrad John Shuck) and acceptance from the Haynes’ Sisters, Betty (Kerry Conte) and Judy (Kelly Sheehan).
As the musical opens, Bob and Steve are looking for ways to rebound from the doldrums of war and from the iron fist of General Henry Waverly. Their plans to pick up a few gigs and a couple of women get sidetracked when they end up in Vermont instead of Florida. As they travel and make music together, their entire strategy takes a complete turn when they end up being charmed by Betty and Judy Haynes who have goals of their own. The men who can’t seem to agree on much, come to terms with the fact that they would be better off if they worked with the women instead of against them. In the midst of their struggle to gain favor, they end up back with Waverly and are willing to go to bat for him after realizing he is a softy underneath all the soldierly armor.
The incredible synchronized choreography and show-stopping tunes are a delight for the audience as timeless melodies such as “White Christmas” and “Happy Holiday/Let yourself go” fill the auditorium. Scenes from “The Ed Sullivan Show,” the over-filled train car and all scenes with Waverly’s delightful granddaughter steal the show. As Dallas Summer Musicals celebrate the memories of the first White Christmas in the Band Shell in 1941, it also notes that a year later Bing Crosby’s rendition of The White Christmas won its first Oscar. While it is okay to reminisce about the classic that keeps returning year after year, it would be wise to join the trend and catch the rest of the performances this year at Fair Park. It will definitely put you in the holiday spirit!
Now performing at the Music Hall at Fair Park December 5 – 10
