New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Gateway Playhouse To Celebrate The Holidays with Irving Berlin's "White Christmas"

originally published: 11/07/2024


(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point will bring everyone's favorite holiday classic, Irving Berlin's White Christmas - based on the famed Hollywood movie musical of the same name—to life from December 13-15 and December 20-22, 2024.

Those running the show are no strangers to the Gateway: Director Chip Garrison and Musical Director Brian Conover wrote an original variation of A Christmas Carol that was staged there last year, and Choreographer Karen Cleighton choreographed the Gateway’s recent production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Those familiar with the movie version of White Christmas, which far preceded the Broadway show (the movie came out in 1954; the musical came to Broadway in 2009), will notice similarities, such as the primary storyline of two Army buddies, now in showbiz, who meet the Haynes sisters and wind up in Vermont, where they discover that their former World War II general has sunk his pension into the inn where they are staying. However, there are also some differences, namely, the lengthy “Choreography” scene made famous by Danny Kaye in the film is omitted from the stage version, and there are even more Irving Berlin songs from the Great American Songbook that have been added, such as “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and “Blue Skies.”

White Christmas is a classic–it’s all about nostalgia and having people feel good about the holidays. They didn’t mess with a good recipe for the staged version. It’s just a fun show,” said Garrison, who is a drama teacher at Absegami High School. “Even though it’s set in the post-World War II era, it still resonates with audiences because many had grandparents or other relatives in the war.”

The stars of White Christmas include: Spencer Lyons as Bob Wallace; Johnny Keen as Phil Davis; Allison McGinley as Betty Haynes; Chloe Verderber as Judy Haynes (she is a math teacher at Galloway Township Middle School, where Conover teaches drama); and former Broadway actress Karen Sutherland plays Martha Watson (the housekeeper at the inn, who has a larger role in the musical).




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



“We love working at the Gateway—there is such a wonderful, inviting group of people to work with,” said Conover. “We’ve had such positive feedback about this show already. It’s a classic that everyone loves.”

Performances for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas are December 13-15 and 20-22; 7:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with 2:00pm matinees on Sundays. Snacks and beverages (sodas, wine, beer, and cocktails) are available for purchase in the lobby. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org or by calling the box office at 609-653-0553. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point, New Jersey.

Here are some photos from rehearsals.

Since its reopening in 2017, Gateway Playhouse, a 501-(c)3 nonprofit, has provided quality and affordable year-round entertainment to residents and visitors alike, as well as offered educational opportunities to grammar and high school students, in the hopes of creating future generations of actors, directors and audiences. Aside from an annual mainstage season, the Gateway also produces a variety of comedy and cabaret shows throughout the year. As the saying goes, “see you at the Gateway!”




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

"Twist

"Twist of Faith" to Debut at 2025 Dream Up Festival

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Twist Of Faith, an original comedy-drama with music, will make its debut at Theater for the New City as part of the 2025 Dream Up Festival. The production will run for five performances from August 24-31 in the Johnson Theater. Set over the course of a single Jewish Sabbath, Twist of Faith follows the unexpected encounter between two deeply different young men—a meeting that challenges both of their assumptions and forever changes the trajectory of their lives.



Wharton

Wharton Players to Hold Auditions for Beetlejuice JR.

(BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ) -- The Wharton Performing Arts School (PAS) will hold auditions for the upcoming Wharton Players production of Beetlejuice JR., a hilarious and heartwarming Broadway hit based on Tim Burton's beloved film. Auditions will be held on September 5-6, 2025 for students ages 8-15, with performances scheduled for December 5-7 in the Wharton Black Box Theater.



Set

Set in New York City on the Brink of a New Millennium, "The Boys From Kingsbridge" Makes Its NY Premiere

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Set in New York City on the brink of a new millennium, the New York Premiere of The Boy From Kingsbridge captures the grit and energy of 1999. Written by Steven Sarao, the two-hander stars James Lorinz and Sarao as childhood friends who grow up to become NYPD officers. Directed by Anna Rebek, the play runs for seven performances from August 27 through September 5, 2025 as part of the Dream Up Festival at Theater for the New City.



Ruth

Ruth Stage presents "The Zoo Story" by Edward Albee

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ruth Stage presents Edward Albee's The Zoo Story at the historic Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove from September 4-6, 2025. This searing one-act revival stars three-time Emmy winner Christian Jules Le Blanc (The Young and the Restless) and acclaimed Off-Broadway actor Matt de Rogatis, best known for his explosive turn as Brick in Ruth Stage's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.



Surflight

Surflight Theatre presents "Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story!"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre brings back the Broadway hit musical Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story! from August 19 to September 7, 2025. Collin Yates stars as Buddy Holly in this journey through the legendary musician's life over the years (1936-1959, respectively). It is Collin's first time on the Surflight Theatre stage.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Walden

Walden

Thursday, September 04, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

South

South Camden Theatre Company presents "A Good Farmer"

Friday, September 05, 2025 @ 8:00pm
South Camden Theatre Company
400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
category: theatre


 

Walden

Walden

Friday, September 05, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 

South

South Camden Theatre Company presents "A Good Farmer"

Saturday, September 06, 2025 @ 8:00pm
South Camden Theatre Company
400 Jasper Street, Camden, NJ 08104
category: theatre


 

Walden

Walden

Saturday, September 06, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: theatre


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info