Marriott Theatre’s Holiday Extravaganza is the Beloved Musical “White Christmas”
Marriott’s presentation of this magnificent musical will put you in the Christmas spirit. The warm-hearted, comic rendition of this silver-screen family classic will cause your heart to soar. If this is not a part of your Christmas tradition, do not miss out on the stellar talent performing spectacular song and dance numbers and make it a must-see.
Ironically, Irving Berlin, a Jewish Russian immigrant, never celebrated Christmas. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, Irving and his wife suffered a tragedy on Christmas Day. His 3-week-old son, Irving Berlin Jr., died probably of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Every Christmas, he and his wife visited their son’s gravesite. White Christmas is not the typical happy Christmas song. It evokes longing and nostalgia for an old-fashioned Christmas setting with snow along the East Coast where Irving grew up. Berlin composed the “White Christmas” tune for the 1942 musical film Holiday in sunny California. It established a market trend for secular Christmas songs. The version sung by Bing Crosby is still the world’s best-selling single, selling an estimated fifty million copies.
In 1954, White Christmas, the musical film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen was released. It was the highest-grossing film of its time. Its popularity led to a musical stage version of the film premiering in St. Louis in 2000. Irving Berlin wrote the music and lyrics, and David Ives and Paul Blake wrote the book. Two-time Jeff Award winner Linda Fortunato does a bang-up job with the multi-talented cast members. She says, “So many people have a fondness and love for the 1954 movie White Christmas. While the stage adaptation is not an exact retelling, it beautifully preserves the charm and nostalgia of the original film. At its heart, White Christmas is a story about community and connection. In relationships throughout the play, people come together to do for others, not for themselves. That spirit of selflessness and coming together for the good of others encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season and is a refreshing message in this divided world.” This is a critical, essential message for today’s atmosphere of division.
Ben Mayne is perfectly cast as Bob Wallace, a former military combat soldier, and showbiz star. He has just the right voice for the lyrics and excellent dance moves. Tyler Johson-Campion portrays his comrade and showbiz buddy, Phil Davis. He is a phenomenally skilled tap dancer. His extreme athletic moves had the overwhelmingly enthusiastic audience hooting and hollering before he finished a dance. It felt like a sports arena at times instead of a theater. Alex Goodrich seamlessly plays Ralph Sheldrake, the fast-talking, comedic television executive. As Betty Hanes, one of the sisters in the sister act, Jacquelyne Jones is a commanding presence on stage with a glorious voice. Kelly Felthous, as the younger sister, Judy, hits the mark with charm and great comedic timing. Rom Barkhordar has rugged shoes to fill as General Henry Waverly. His gruffness and military rigidity have to be tempered with compassion and strong leadership, which Barkhordar achieves with aplomb. Robin McGee (Martha Watson) is a star performer, capturing the audience with her talent and greatness.
The ensemble, which includes Time Brickey, Cynthia F. Carter, Alex Goodrich, Christopher Kelly, Kayla Kennedy, Michael Kingston, Jonathan Kwock, Maya McQueen, Joshua Messmore, Teah Kiang Mirabelli, Nataki Rennie, and David Rossetti, will keep your feet tapping and your eyes popping at their prowess. Meena Snood (Susan Waverly, the General’s granddaughter) impressed me with her star-power performance.
Many accolades to Sally Dolembo for her gorgeous, stunning, spectacular, creative costumes. Music Supervisor Ryan T. Nelson, Music Director Brad Haak, and Conductor Traggesser hit all the right notes with Irving Berlin’s timeless score. After exiting the show, this magical production left us joyfully singing “White Christmas” in the elevator. I have to say our impromptu ensemble was surprisingly excellent vocalists. I believe the best gifts are experiences that can be shared. My recommendation is this is the perfect Christmas gift—no wrapping involved. Or better yet, splurge on a gift subscription to the 50th Anniversary Season. Your recipient will not be disappointed.
