The time honored classic movie White Christmas comes to life this month at Paper Mill Playhouse. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical is an enjoyable show for the entire family. The production, which is based off of the movie, uses music and lyrics by the great American songwriter Irving Berlin and a book David Ives and Paul Blake. This holiday favorite is a delight to see.
Paper Mill Playhouse’s Producing Artistic Director, Mark S. Hoebee, does a remarkable job directing this show. This 2 1/2 hour musical has a first rate cast who sing and dance and tell a story that is both heartwarming and enjoyable to see. This production features original Broadway choreography from Randy Skinner reproduced by Kristyn Pope. Original scenic design by Anna Louizos is coordinated by and with additional design for the production by Kelly James Tighe.
The beautiful original costume design by Carrie Robbins is coordinated by and with additional design by Antonio Consuegra. Sound design is by Matt Kraus. The hair, wig, and makeup design is by The Wig Associates (Krystal Belleza & Will Vicari). The Music Director is Cynthia Meng.
It Begins on Christmas Eve in 1944
It is always difficult to be away from home for the holiday season but especially when you are at war. The show opens with a troop of service men gather together “somewhere on the Western Front of World War II.” Among them are Bob Wallace (Max Clayton) and Phil Davis (Casey Garvin) who team up to put on a show for their fellow buddies. Clayton and Garvin turn in outstanding performances throughout the entire show. Joining them as the organizer of this World War II show is Ralph Sheldrake played by Reagan Pender who adds good humorous touches throughout the show.
HappyHolidays - Max Clayton (Bob Wallace) and Casey Garvin (Phil Davis) Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel
The show is dedicated to give a farewell to General Henry Waverly (Lance Roberts) before leaving the group. He is a well respected office whom the men look up to. Roberts plays his character as a stern man on the outside but with a heart of concern for his troops. His men respect him greatly as heard in the song “The Old Man.”
This is one of the most poignant scenes in the show as the song “White Christmas” plays. I remember watching the movie with my father. He was stationed in England during World War II. Hearing that title song got him emotional. It reminded him of how it felt to be so far away from home at the holidays. Irving Berlin wrote this song in 1942 during World War II when many people were away from home for the holidays. So there is nostalgia which lives on in this scene of the show.
Ten Years Later – A Lot Goes On
After World War II ends, Wallace and Davis continue their song and dance act and achieve great success. We are treated to a visit to the Ed Sullivan stage where old army buddy Ralph Sheldrake has also achieved success working for the Sullivan show. Wallace and Davis perform “Let Yourself Go” on the show.
“Let Yourself Go” – Casey Garvin (Phil Davis), Max Clayton (Bob Wallace), and the Cast of White Christmas – Photo credit Jeremy Daniel
Later, they meet the Haynes sisters. Judy (Keely Beirne) and Betty (Ashley Blanchet). This sister teams wows Wallace and Davis with their performance of “Sister.” Beirne and Blanchet turn in strong performances throughout the entire show.
“Sisters” Ashley Blanchet (Betty Haynes) and Keely Beirne (Judy Haynes) Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel
Romantic sparks fly for Betty and Bob. Additionally, Judy and Phil show interest in each other in “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing.” Romance is in the air.
They all end up in Vermont where the sisters will be doing holiday shows. Low and behold, they come to a sweet Vermont inn owned by none other than General Waverly who they have not seen since that Christmas Eve in 1944.
When they find out he owns the inn, they also learn that there is no snow and that business is really bad. They learn all this from Martha who works at the inn. Later, Martha (Stacia Fernandez) gives a knock out rendition of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”
The Show Within the Show
After learning about the General’s need for business, Wallace and Davis decide to bring the cast of the show they are producing up to stay and rehearse at the inn. This brings the performance of some of the most spectacular songs of the show. “Count Your Blessings and “Blue Skies” close out Act One.
Opening Act Two is “I Love a Piano.” This is a blockbuster moment in the show as the Paper Mill’s large stage is filled with tap dancing and singing.
"I Love A Piano" – Keely Beirne (Judy Haynes), Casey Garvin (Phil Davis), and the Cast of White Christmas – Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel
A secret plan is hatched to reunite the old army regiment that General Waverly led. The plan involves coming to the inn on Christmas Eve for a show. The hope is enough people will come to fill the inn and make up for cancellations due to the lack of snow.
Unfortunately, there are misunderstandings and the romances suffer. Betty leaves the show and goes solo in New York City. Bob attends her show and her performance of “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” provides one of the most thrilling performances in the show.
The Finale
This is a show that has a happy ending. All misunderstandings are cleared up. Romances are back on. The former army regiment members arrive and fill the inn. All is well.
Final songs include “The Old Man” which is a reprise of the version heard at the 1944 Christmas Eve show. As tribute is paid to General Waverly, he finally feels like things will work out.
The Old Man – Reagan Pender (Ralph Sheldrake), Casey Garvin (Phil Davis), Max Clayton (Bob Wallace), and Lance Roberts (General Henry Waverly) – Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel
The end of the show brings the entire cast onstage to sing “White Christmas” one last time. Be sure to watch as the illusion of snow falling appears.
Finale – The Cast of White Christmas – Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel
Additional Cast Members
In addition to the cast members mentioned above, there others who also deserve a round of applause for their fine performances in this show. They include Savannah Austin and Annie Piper Braverman who share the role of Susan Waverly.
Ensemble members include: Claire Avakian, Lincoln Belford, Allison Blanchard, Lamont Brown, Sabrina Brush, Rhagan Carter, Sydney Chow, Kelly Gleason, Candice Hatakeyama, Drew King, Ryan Lambert, Cory Lingner, Alex Llorca, Carina-Kay Louchiey, Brady Miller, Larkin Reilly, Buzz Roddy, and Grace Marie Rusnica.
Go to See Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical
Performances run now through Sunday, December 29 at Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ. Visit the Paper Mill’s website for show times and ticket purchases.
Accessibility performances are available through the run.
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES – Scheduled for Sunday, December 22 at 1:30pm and Saturday, December 28 at 1:30pm.
OPEN-CAPTIONED & ASL- INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES – Scheduled for Saturday, December 28 at 1:30pm and Sunday, December 29 at 7:00pm.
