White Christmas - Goodspeed Opera House

The Goodspeed Opera House’s production of White Christmas is a winning holiday treat.  Based on the 1954 movie of the same name, the musical contains a bevy of Irving Berlin’s memorable tunes (“Happy Holidays,” “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun,” “Blue Skies,” and, of course, the iconic title song), a number of great dance numbers, and a cast bubbling over with enthusiasm.

Omar Lopez-Cepero, Clyde Alves, and the cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

 

The book by David Ives and Paul Blake, is a faithful adaptation of the movie.  Former Army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, have 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 and Betty.  After the floor show, the four have drinks.  Phil and Judy hit it off immediately, while Bob and Betty start out on the wrong foot.  The men ask them to come to Florida where they’ll begin rehearsals for a new act.  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, to let the entertainment commence.  By showtime, Phil and Betty are engaged and, after a number of bumps in their relationship, Bob and Judy realize their love for each other.  Oh, yes, it snows just in time.

 

White Christmas marks Director Hunter Foster’s third Christmas-themed show at Goodspeed, the other two being A Christmas Story and A Connecticut Christmas Carol.  This background gives him keen insight into delivering a crowd-pleasing production.  The show is a well-paced, joyful celebration.  What I have admired about Hunter’s career is the way he amplifies a small aspect of a show that ends up delivering pure comic gold.  In White Christmas, this is exemplified with the character of Ezekiel Foster (Jay Aubrey Jones), an employee of the New England Lodge.  His droll, measured responses, and lumbering gait, are hilarious.

Clyde Alves, Jonalyn Saxer and the cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

Foster seamlessly incorporates Choreographer Kelli Barclay’s superb dance numbers into the production.  They run the gamut from intimate nightclub routines (“Sisters”) to a jazzy “Blue Skies” to the high-spirited tap dancing of Act I’s “Let Yourself Go” and the Act II opener, “I Love a Piano.”  Both numbers bring down the house.

Lauren Nicole Chapman and Jonalyn Saxer in Goodspeed's White Christmas. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

What separates Goodspeed’s White Christmas from other productions I’ve seen over the years, is the very believable chemistry between the four leads.  The foreplay and eventual coupling of Bob Wallace (Omar Lope-Depero) and Betty Haynes (Lauren Nicole Chapman), and Phil Davis (Clyde Alves) and Judy Haynes (Jonalyn Saxer) advances naturally, and comes across as credible and convincing.  Each of the performers have superb voices, providing rewarding renditions of all the marvelous Irving Berlin tunes.  Alves and Saxer are also accomplished hoofers, dancing up a storm, primarily in the “I Love a Piano” number.  

Aurelia Williams in Goodspeed's White Christmas. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

Aurelia Williams instills the character of Martha Watson, the aide-de-everything at the hotel, with a brassiness and acerbic wit that steals the show every time the spotlight shines on her.  And, what a singing voice!  Other members of the featured cast that deserve mention are Bruce Sabath as the  General with-a-heart, and Sofie Nesanelis, as his frisky granddaughter, Susan Waverly.

Omar Lopez-Cepero and the cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas. Photo by Diane Sobolewski. 

David L. Arsenault’s Scenic Design provides a delightful variety of sets, which include nightclub settings, the inside of a train, and the interior of a barn, where all the magic of the show takes place.  The show is effectively lit by Kirk Bookman & Nathan W. Scheuer’s Lighting Design.  Jay Hilton’s Sound Design is pitch perfect.  Jeff Hendry’s Costume Designs, which include an assortment of rehearsal garb, dressier outfits, and holiday fare, are handsomely rendered.

The cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas. Photo by Diane Sobolewski.

White Christmas, playing at the Goodspeed Opera House through December 31.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.