Still Time to Catch a ‘White Christmas’ at Westchester Broadway Theatre
By Christine DiTota
The holiday season is almost over but it’s not too late to get to the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s smash holiday hit “White Christmas.”
Based on the beloved 1954 film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, this stage adaptation will leave you dreaming of experiencing a white Christmas of your own.
The story follows World War II veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who team up to create a song-and-dance team that hits the big time in nightclubs and on Broadway. Along the way, they meet up with a sister act who are off to perform a Christmas show at a little-known Vermont lodge. The two acts join forces and head north, dreaming of a little Christmas snow and perhaps a little romance.
They arrive to discover that the lodge is owned by the boys’ former army commanding officer and is struggling to keep its doors open. In the true spirit of Christmas, the foursome puts on their thinking caps and tries to save the day.
The show is filled from top to bottom with enduring classics penned by the legendary Irving Berlin: “Blue Skies,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Sisters,” “I Love a Piano” and the beloved title song. So deep is the desire to experience a white Christmas that it has inspired a song, a movie and a musical.
The plot has been slightly modified from the movie, but remains unquestionably effective. Though I found myself missing some of the moments from the movie, the production, nevertheless, was moving as a result of many of the new moments created for the stage.
Tony Award-nominated director and choreographer Randy Skinner’s staging is nothing short of blissful. He has assembled a talented collection of hoofers and moves them across the stage with either a vaudevillian flair or timeless elegance as each moment requires.
Taking over the role of lead character Bob Wallace mid-run is David Schoonover. A crooner with a smooth voice juxtaposed with a powerful belt, he takes the character on a journey from jaded to jolly.
Karen Murphy provides much of the show’s humor as the lodge’s busybody receptionist. This powerful comedienne shows incredible versatility, impeccable timing and an unparalleled voice.
Kudos to Derek Lockwood for his “tadiefor” costumes that take on a life of their own. Exquisitely crafted ensembles in eye-popping colors float across the stage enhancing every moment with bold reds, breathtaking whites and luscious greens.
If your wish is to escape into the sweetness of holiday cheer–and maybe find yourself humming along–this show is for you. As one of its most melodic tunes reminds us, “If you’re worried and you can’t sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep. And you’ll go to sleep counting your blessings.” This incomparable holiday classic is indeed a blessing for the whole family.
“White Christmas” runs through Sunday, Jan. 12. Ticket prices, which range from $54 to $80 plus tax, include dinner and show. Discounts are available for children, students and senior citizens.
For reservations or for more information, call 914-592-2222 or visit www.BroadwayTheatre.com. Westchester Broadway Theatre is located at 1 Broadway Plaza in Elmsford.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
