White Christmas, based on the classic 1954 film, is receiving a bravo production at the Music Theatre of Connecticut. The musical, stuffed with Irving Berlin classic tunes – “Happy Holidays,” “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun,” “Blue Skies,” and, of course, the iconic title song – also includes the best musical production numbers I have ever seen at the theater. We’re talking large-scale, tap-dancing extravaganzas by a talent troupe of performers. What makes the choreography, helmed by Mallory Davis, more impressive is the incredibly small staging space at the Norwalk theater. Diane Vanderkroef’s Costume Designs richly enhance many of the dance routines.
Josh Powell and members of the cast of White Christmas.
Director Kevin Connors keeps the show bustling with the actors and actresses busily entering and exiting from all sides of the stage. He effortlessly transitions dialogue-laden scenes into the razz-ma-tazz dance numbers. April Bartlett’s Scenic Design is appropriately simple and unadorned – you don’t want to keep moving the furniture to make way for the ample choreographic achievements.
Derek Luscutoff and Josh Powell of the cast of White Christmas.
The book by David Ives and Paul Blake, a faithful adaptation of the movie screenplay, has former Army buddies Bob Wallace (the Bing Crosby role) and Phil Davis (the Danny Kaye character) become big-time entertainers after serving in WWII. Wanting to add a new act for their upcoming stage show, they scout the Haynes Sisters, nightclub performers Judy (the Rosemary Clooney role) and Betty (Vera-Ellen in the film). After the floor show, the four have drinks. Phil and Judy hit it off immediately, while Bob and Judy start out on the wrong foot. The men ask them to come to Florida where they’ll begin rehearsals. The women, however, have a gig in Vermont. Through a bit of deception, courtesy of Phil and Judy, the foursome end up at a cozy hotel in the Green Mountain state. Unfortunately, there’s been no snow. Cancellations are piling up and the entertainment is being scratched. But just a minute! Bob and Phil concoct a plan to bring their show from Florida to Vermont to rehearse and, more importantly, fill the rooms with paying customers. The owner, who just happens to be their former commander in the Army, is not too pleased at first, but is convinced by his housekeeper, Martha, and granddaughter Susan. By showtime, Phil and Betty are engaged. After a number of bumps in their relationship, Bob and Judy realize they love each other. Oh, yes, it snows just in time.
Elena Ramos Pascullo and Elissa DeMaria of White Christmas.
The acting corps is first-rate, led by Josh Powell (Bob Wallace) and Derek Luscutoff (Phil Davis). Powell has been featured in a number of Connecticut musicals this past year (Mystic Pizza at Ivoryton Playhouse and Grumpy Old Men at Seven Angels). This is his first starring role and he brings the prescribed stuffiness and cynicism to his performance. His deep singing voice enriches such songs as “Count Your Blessings, Instead of Sheep” and “Blue Skies.” While in perfect harmony with his other on-stage partners, he could be a little less irritable and grouchy. Derek Luscutoff is a true triple threat with his acting, singing and, especially, hoofing. His constant smiling and carefree attitude makes him the ideal foil for his stodgier colleague.
Hillary Ekwall, Derek Luscutoff, and Sarah Warrick of White Christmas.
Elissa DeMaria’s Judy Haynes is lovely, perky and enlivens each of her musical numbers. She and Elena Ramos Pascullo (Betty Haynes) make for a beautiful sisterly duo. Ms. Pascullo’s Betty Haynes instills the requisite levelheadness and aloofness for her character. She is a highly satisfying counterpoint with her “sister.” As with her fellow performers, her singing and dancing are superb.
Kristi Carnahan, a Broadway veteran, imbues Martha with a brashness and acerbic wit that steals the show every time she’s on stage. Her solo, “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy,” was a joy to behold.
White Christmas, playing at the Music Theatre of Connecticut through December. Many of the final shows are sold-out. Click here to check ticket availability.
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