Music Theater Works Presents IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS Review — A Holiday Classic

Posted on by Alexis Bugajski

Click here to read more Picture This Post Music Theatre Works stories.

Ten feet tall Christmas trees are wheeled out from the wings. They are decked from tip to trunk in tinsel, bows, and ornaments. Twinkling lights fill every inch the stage. They hang from the proscenium framing the stage and the rafters in this makeshift barn. Snow starts to fall from the ceiling and onto the cast gathered below. Finally, we think to ourselves, we have our white Christmas. In this long awaited scene, Music Theater Works production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, we get a holiday show where everything is all tied up in a neat and pretty bow.

Music Theater Works Captures the Movie Classic

Though the musical plot differs slightly from the movie plot, for those who are looking to fulfill their White Christmas cravings, this would be a good show for you. We’re treated to a plethora of period costumes from three-piece suits and sparkling evening gowns to cigarette pants and poofy skirts. Designed by Elizabeth Monti, she captures the 40s and 50s in these costumes transporting us out of 2022.

For those who also love big musical productions with a large cast, you’ll also be pleased to find a large ensemble to give this production a grand scale. At the start of the second act, Phil (Jimmy Hogan) starts singing how he feels joyful around a piano. He’s joined by Judy (Anna Marie Abbate) dressed in a head to toe sparkly black and white number and by the ensemble who all tap dance their way to I Love a Piano.

The full cast also makes appearances during Blue Skies donning white tuxes and dresses with sky blue accessories. They snap and shimmy their way to this jazz number. For the finale White Christmas and I’ve Got Your Love To Keep Me Warm, everyone gathers onstage dressed in festive red, including the stunning red finale dresses recognizable from the movie as well giving us a picture perfect ending. 

Comedy Duos

From WWII service to show biz fame, the comic duo of Bob Wallace (Tommy Thurston) and Phil keep us engaged with the lite story line.  Bob is the practical and more serious of the two, next to Phil’s upbeat and often times mischievous personality.  As the story unfolds they in turn are paired with two show biz sisters—Judy and Betty (Kelly Britt), whom we first meet performing the iconic Sisters duet, blue ostrich feather fans and all. The plot of love found, love lost, love sidestepped and then love conquering all is mainly a platform to launch comic gags and catchy tunes – by these four leads and the entire supporting cast.

A Hallmark Movie Ending

White Christmas has all the makings for a feel-good Christmas classic. We get the swell of the music and the happy ending as Bob and Phil swoop Betty and Judy off their feet and dip them into a swoon worthy kiss as snow falls delicately from the ceiling. 

For those looking for a standard take and want to check seeing White Christmas off their need-to-see classical musical list, Music Theater Works production would be a good fit for you. 

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CAST:

Tommy Thurston (Bob Wallace); Jimmy Hogan (Phil Davis); Kelly Britt (Betty); Anna Marie Abbate (Judy);  Alicia Berneche (Martha); Brian Rooney (General); Lea Biwer (Susan);  J. Christian Hill (Ralph); Jazmine Tamayo (Rita) and Rachel Livingston (Rhoda).

Jonathan Allsop, Andrew J. Baker, Jordan Beyeler, Ariana Cappuccitti, Quinn Corrigan, David Geinosky, Delaney Good, Chad Gearig-Howe, Alex Iacobucci, Kelly Lohrenz, Emma Jean Lupp, Tuesdai Perry, Phil Platakis, Isa Ramirez, Adam Raso, Sofia Ruffner, Tal Schatsky, Nick Schrier and Tyler Sonkin.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Sasha Gerritson (she/her/hers, director); Roger Bingaman (he/him/his, music director); Clayton Cross (he/him/his, choreographer); Elena Patterson (she/her/hers/they/them/theirs, intimacy choreographer); Allison Gonzales (she/her/hers, stage manager); Ashley Keys (she/her/hers, asst. stage manager), Shane Cinal (he/him/his, scenic designer); Jim Davis/Holiday Home Creative (he/him/his, Christmas set dresser); MaK Cole (they/them/theirs, props designer), Elizabeth Monti (she/her/hers, costume designer); Alice Salazar (she/her/hers, wig, hair and make-up designer); Andrew Meyers (he/him/his, lighting designer); Chelsea Lynn (she/her/hers, lighting programmer & ME); Eric Backus (he/him/his, sound designer); Will Hughes (he/him/his, scenic shop technical director); Ben Lipinski (he/him/his, paint charge) and Nick Zabel (he/him/his, technical director).

WHEN:

December 15, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Wednesdays at 1 and 7:30 p.m.
Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Center Theatre
North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

TICKETS:

$39+

For more information and tickets visit the Music Theatre Works website.

Photos: Brett Beiner Photography

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago.

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Alexis Bugajski

About the Author: Alexis Bugajski

Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.

Editor's Note:  Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski

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