By Debbie Ditton
If your family needs a little magic to start the Christmas season, then Four Seasons Theatre Company’s White Christmas, performed in the Sky View High School auditorium, is just the place to get it. Although performed in a school, the moment you encounter the smiling staff, are greeted warmly by the ushers, and see the remarkable set, you are transported to a place filled with the spirit of the season. The stage version of White Christmas, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and book by David Ives and Paul Blake, is based on the Paramount Pictures film of the same name that has captivated audiences since its release in 1954. This adaptation, although slightly different than the film, still follows the charming antics of performers Bob Wallace (Jon Rash) and Phil Davis (Walker McKenna) as they meet Betty Haynes (Britney McCarthy) and her sister Judy (Emma Duffin). Hilarity ensues as Phil and Judy scheme to get Bob and Betty together while preparing for a holiday show in Pine Tree, Vermont. When Bob and Phil arrive in Pine Tree, they discover that not only is there no snow, but their former Army General, Henry Waverly (Steven Moore) owns the Inn, and could use their assistance. Of course, misunderstandings, “million-dollar propositions,” romance, and music are just a part of what makes the show so much fun. Most of the beloved music from the movie is included in the stage version, and a few other Berlin songs have been added as well.
I first have to comment on the remarkable set, which was designed, built and painted by Daniel Rash and Nathan Allen (with the help of Dorian Jensen and Jared Bohman). Their attention to detail truly brings the audience right into the show. The backdrops and set pieces are beautifully painted, designed to be extremely functional for the cast, and the scene changes are quick and efficient. There is only one place where the set seems incomplete. The elegant Regency Room, where Betty goes to perform in Act 2, is the same set as Jimmy’s Nightclub from Act 1. However, if the audience even notices, it will only be for a brief second, because as soon as the lights come up on McCarthy in her fabulous red dress and she opens her mouth to sing “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me,” it no longer matters what the set looks like – she is completely mesmerizing.
The attention to detail does not stop with the set, however, as the lighting (Chase Cook) perfectly sets the mood for the show and the Sound Designer (Justin Wellington) hits every cue flawlessly. The set, lighting, and other technical elements work together to make the final scene of the show absolutely magical. Then, there are the costumes. Wow. The costumes are impeccably paired with the characters and numbers in this production. Designed by Kody Rash (Costume Designer, Director, and Artistic Director) and crafted by Mary Savage and Kim Rash, the costumes almost steal the show. Audiences are dazzled by the glitz, glamour, wit and functionality of the wardrobe throughout the show. In fact, I look forward to the costumes in every musical presented by Four Seasons.
Delightfully, the talent outshines the costumes. The ensemble, with vocal direction by Melissa Hamilton, sounds fantastic. The tight harmonies of the time period are sung with precision and style, and the small vocal ensembles throughout the show are every bit as strong as the numbers featuring the entire cast. The choreography by AnnAlyse Chidester is fresh, as well as reminiscent of the styles from the 1940’s. My favorite dance number is, “I Love a Piano.” The tapping is clean and energetic, and the piano-key-decorated skirts and great vocals make it a show stopper. Director Kody Rash does a great job of bringing all the elements of this musical together. While this is the second season producing this show, he says that his team has “worked tirelessly” to give the audience a new, fresh experience in 2018. I saw the show last year as well and congratulate them on achieving that goal.
Part of their success is an almost entirely new cast for this year’s production. To begin, I loved watching Duffin’s portrayal of Judy throughout the show. Her character is sincere and consistent, her dancing poised, and her voice sweet. Duffin and McKenna have great chemistry and dance well together.
McKenna has the perfect demeanor for Phil. He is quirky and lovable and holds his own in the singing and dancing departments. He is comfortable in the role and believable, and it is good to see him in a leading part.
McCarthy (Betty) is a newcomer to the Cache Valley theater scene and I am sure this will not be the last time we see her on the stage. Her vocals are rich and warm, and she gives Rosemary Clooney a run for her money in this role. She is a confident performer and, although the stage version of the show doesn’t develop Betty’s character as completely as the movie, McCarthy did her homework and brings Betty to life with a depth I was not expecting. She plays well off of Jon Rash and they both endear their characters to the audience.
I have seen and worked with Rash for years and feel that this is his best role yet. Maybe because he is a little like Bob Wallace in real life, but mostly because his presence, velvety voice (a la Bing Crosby), and comic timing are all perfectly suited to the character. When he starts the iconic songs “White Christmas” and “Blue Skies” you know you are in for a treat. There is not a note (or a hair) out of place through the entire show.
I would be remiss if I did not mention a few of the supporting characters who add so much to the production. Moore is a commanding General and his monologue in the last scene will leave you in a puddle. Tiffany Bean and Dani Allen (as Rita and Rhoda) are perfectly flirtatious and Daniel Rash (Mike) the stage manager, and Nathan Allen (Ezekial) the hired hand, make the audience giggle every time they walk on the stage. Chloe Allen plays a precocious Susan and sings and dances well beyond her years, and Josh Hopkins is not only convincing as producer Ralph Sheldrake, but is also an excellent dancer in the show’s big production numbers. Last but not least, I need to mention Marianne Sidwell (Martha Watson). Her bossy, yet loveable character is so much fun, her comic bits are beautifully timed and her number, “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” is one of the highlights of the show. The song is a new addition to the stage show and not only does Sidwell sing and dance it well, she and the ensemble make the audience wish they were joining in on the fun.
In the program for White Christmas, it says that the mission of Four Seasons Theatre Company “is to provide high-quality, family-focused, affordable theatre experiences that involve, improve, and inspire our community.” This show fulfills their mission completely. The excellent and inspirational quality of the show makes it worth taking the whole family . There are plenty of opportunities to see White Christmas, so get your tickets and make this a part of your holiday celebration. And, “may all your Christmases be white.”
Four Seasons Theatre Company presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
Sky View High School Auditorium 520 South 250 East, Smithfield, UT 84335
November 30-December 10, 2018. 1:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Tickets: $12 online, $14 at the door/over phone
Contact: 435-535-1432
Four Seasons Theatre Company Facebook Page
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Facebook Event
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