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White Christmas has a long and complex history. A lot of people don't know the song came from a 1942 movie called Holiday Inn (starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire). 12 years later the movie titled White Christmas (again starring "Der Bingle"--this time with Danny Kaye) was released and the song was featured prominently. Flash forward fifty some-odd years the movie was adapted for the stage and turned into a "jukebox musical" but the addition of a bunch of Irving Berlin songs that weren't featured in the movie.
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The story begins in World War Two where buddies Captain Bob Wallace and Pvt. Phil Davis are entertaining the troops with a song and dance routine which gets interrupted by General Henry Waverly. (This sets up the plot for later.) Flash forward a dozen years and Wallace and Davis (Davis and Wallace) are a famous duo getting ready to leave for Christmas in Miami. Before they leave the duo goes off to check out a "Sister Act" (Betty and Judy Haynes) for their new review and, as it can only happen in a musical, sparks fly. Phil decides that Bob needs to fall in love. Phil hijacks Bob to an Inn in Vermont where the girls are working for the Holidays. Oh, and the Inn just happens to be run by now-retired General Waverly (and the Inn is in deep trouble). Bob hatches a plan to save the Inn by putting on a show. Misunderstandings and hijinks ensue but everybody ends up happy.
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Once you get past the plot that was old when Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were making their movies and an incident that seems very out of character for one of the girls, this turns out to be a surprisingly pleasant little diversion. Yeah, the songs are kind of stuck in there (this is a Jukebox Musical after all) but they are well done. Just to ramp up the "cheeesetastity" they even have a belter a la Ethel Merman and a "Broadway Baby" who is cute as a button with a big voice. Who could ask for more? The cast sings and dances with style and verve. The orchestra (three touring musicians supplemented by an unknown number of local players) are first rate with nary a missed note. This chorus seems large and does a fine job supporting the leads. The sets and costumes are nicely done There's even a "snowfall" over the audience to heighten the Christmas magic.
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Yes, White Christmas is an old chestnut--but it's a well-polished one. And really--isn't Christmas the time for chestnuts? There's not an ounce of irony or mean-spiritedness in the show and it just makes you feel good. I don't know if I could take this show every year but it sure got me in the holiday spirit. Check it out if you're looking for some seasonal fun that the whole family can enjoy.
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FINAL GRADE: A
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