Think of a giant snow globe of winter wonderland you can shake and you have an idea why ”Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is so magical.
Do you have room on your holiday wish list? If so, be sure to add the Music Theatre of Connecticut's delightful present of "Irving Berlin's White Christmas." Just in time to usher in the New Year, it will play until Sunday, December 22, and what better way to begin 2025. In 1954, “White Christmas” was made into a movie of the same name starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Now it is coming to the stage in all its sentimental glory, with book by David Ives and Paul Blake.
Irving Berlin, the immigrant son of a Russian cantor, wrote a significant portion of America’s Songbook. Capable of composing one song, music and lyrics, every day, he would begin writing at 8 p.m. and frequently continue until 4 or 5 in the morning. Ironically, Berlin, a Jew, is credited with two of the greatest holiday songs, “Easter Parade” and the world favorite “White Christmas,” as well as with the grand patriotic anthem “God Bless America.”
The stirring musical, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is set when the world was struggling with the repercussions of World War II. It tells the tale of two charming and talented soldiers, as Bob Wallace(Josh Powell)and his pal Phil Davis,(Derek Luscutoff) who enjoy entertaining the troops with a holiday variety show. This song-and-dance team continues their act after the war and meet up with a singing sister duo, (Elena Ramos Pascullo) as Betty Haynes and (Elissa DeMaria) as hersister Judy. About to part company, the guys heading to Florida to work and the girls going north, a swift change of train tickets finds all four at an inn in Vermont for Christmas.
A lack of snowfall, a need for guests, a little romance, an avalanche of singing and dancing and a reunion with General Waverly, played by Scott Mikita from their army days, all combine into a whirlwind of fun. Songs like "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Sisters," "Blue Skies" and "White Christmas" are all guaranteed crowd pleasers, especially with the whirlwind of dancing feet thanks to Mallory Davis, choreographer and eoaborate costuming by Diane Vanderkroef.
The show is a big movie musical that will make you feel good and smile throughout. It was originally written when the country was in bad shape and needed to feel better and be entertained, a situation not so different today. Kevin Connors directs this sparkling show, with an adorable Ella Cahill shining as the General’s granddaughter, as well as Quinten Patrick Busey as Ralph Sheldrake and Kirsti Carnahan as Martha Watson. Can his battalion save the General's inn? They can sure give it a four star try.
For tickets ($50-60), call the Music Theatre of CT, 509 Westport Avenue, Norwalk at or online at admin@musictheatreofct.com to check the wait list.. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m.on December 19, Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. December 15. Now is the time to contribute to the annual appeal to help MTC reach their financial goals for the 35th season.
End your 2024 on a high note or start 2025 with a bang by making the MTC your stepping off point for a joyous holiday celebration with enough music and dance to fill an inn in Vermont to the brim of exciting entertainment.
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