Dazzling & Delightful White Christmas at the Marriott Theatre
Marriott Theatre… you’ve done it again! The way you so perfectly have me wrapped around your pinky finger is a theatrical phenomenon. This season’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas could turn the Grinch’s heart 10 shades of jolly. Lovers of the classic star-studded 1954 movie and soon-to-be fans of this heart-warming Christmas tale will leave with joy in their hearts (and possibly a burning desire to begin Tap dancing lessons). This stage adaptation showcases an incredible soundtrack of favorite numbers such as “Sisters” and “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”, along with unique-to-stage numbers that even the most ardent movie purist will be raving about.
I’ve always admired the ingenuity of directors and choreographers of Marriott productions. Staging shows for theatre-in-the-round requires so much additional planning, skill, & consideration. Two-time Jeff Award winning director & choreographer Linda Fortunato has mastered the task with certain brilliance. White Christmas is jam-packed with dazzling song and dance numbers; and each one is flawlessly choreographed to entertain every member of the audience. The artistic team creates vintage, cinematic themes with spectacular precision. Jeff Kmiec’s scenic design coupled with Jesse Klug’s lighting transforms the space with ease. War zone to Broadway to the (not-so) snowy hills of Vermont; the space morphs beautifully from one scene to the next.
The vision of this talented production team lays an incredible canvas; so how about the onstage talent? It unquestionably goes without saying that the film’s stars (Crosby, Kaye, Clooney, & Vera-Ellen) have left enormous shoes to fill. Leave it to the Marriott to exceed all expectations again! Fortunato could not have made better casting choices for these iconic roles. Ben Mayne as Bob Wallace, Jacquelyne Jones as Betty Haynes, Tyler Johnson-Campion as Phil Davis, and Kelly Felthous as Judy Haynes are complementary to one another in every delightful facet of their performances. Mayne (Wallace) & Johnson-Campion (Davis) are a captivating duo with marvelous harmonies. Mayne is enchanting as the serious and sweet Wallace. He and Jones (Betty Haynes) are splendid together, desperately attempting to ignore the obvious chemistry brewing between their characters. “Count Your Blessings” is (dare I say it?) better in the stage adaptation than the movie. With the absolute utmost respect for Bing and Rosemary, the stage version lingers with this precious song just a bit longer, letting us enjoy the vocal (and the moment) with the tender affection it deserves.
Johnson-Campion is Mayne’s perfect counterpart as the chipper, bantering Davis, and without a doubt, my pick for MVP of this production! Johnson-Campion, making his Marriott debut, has a laundry list of impressive credits, including the national tour of Aladdin. I anticipate that list to grow significantly after this production wraps. He is an enormously gifted performer and altogether enchanting to watch. His animation and well-timed humor, glorious vocals, & insanely great Tap dancing make this actor a tried and true triple threat. And I love the pairing of Kelly Felthous as his love interest, Judy. Felthous, whose credits include the national tour of Wicked, is dynamite! Powerhouse vocals and sassy comedic timing make her a great choice for Judy Haynes.
“I Love a Piano,” an original number for the stage adaptation, showcases extraordinary Tap choreography, featuring Felthous, Johnson-Campion, and the 8-person ensemble. This explosive number, slyly tucked in the middle of the show, brought the house down and earned the company raucous applause that deservedly lasted for what seemed like an eternity. Sally Dolembo’s costuming for this number is also sensational. Piano key textiles, full a-line skirts, and chic patterned Tap shoes make this a visual feast, as do most of her unique and colorful creations throughout the show.
Lavishing on more praise for the impeccable casting in this production, I don’t know where Robin R. McGee has been hiding out. How have I never seen this woman in action before?! Some “best kept secrets” should never be kept. Let this theatrical force of nature loose! McGee plays Martha Watson, General Waverly’s busybody innkeeper. Her booming vocals penetrate every crevice of the theatre in magnificent tone and quality. “I’m Happy” is a killer number, with no fanfare needed; just McGee and her outstanding pipes. I could listen to her belt that song on repeat.
This seasonally spectacular production is a must-see for the whole family. Join in a dreamy singalong of “White Christmas” with the cast and feel all the holiday cheer sparkle through your soul and put you in a perfectly jovial frame of mind. This show should be on everyone’s wish list this season.
