BWW Reviews: Norris Theatre Offers Entertaining WHITE CHRISTMAS

Brent Schindele (Bob Wallace), David Lamoureux (Phil Davis), Gail Bennett (Betty Haynes) and Tro Shaw (Judy Haynes) deliver bright energized performances and with Kevin Paul (Sheldrake), Michael Prohaska (General Henry Waverly), a deliciously comedic Polly Seale (Martha Watson) and Juliette Boland (Suzie) offering steady support, the ensemble is top-notch. Praise as well to Noelle Marion and Elaine Hayhurst as the silly laugh.at.anything dancers Rita and Rhoda and to Karl Jaecke hilarious as the easy-going almost zombied janitor Ezekiel.

Irving Berlin's standards are some of the best songs ever written, and the show contains many not used in the film. The stage score includes: "Sisters", "Happy Holiday", "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy", "Count Your Blessings", "Blue Skies", "How Deep Is the Ocean", "I've Got My Love to Keep me Warm" and of course, "I Love a Piano" and the title tune. Ives' and Blake's book stays faithful to the original film story, and although thin on plot, corny and sentimental, it's one of the most heartwarming pieces of fluff in existence. And youngsters are going to see it, so, irregardless of what they think or say, its legacy lives on. Bravo!

Seymour offers delightful choreography on "...Piano", but even pared down from what I saw originally, it has its own special zing.  Uncredited scenic design and costumes possess a simple elegance.

Don't miss this lovely White Christmas now on stage through December 16 only! For me, who grew up a tried and true New Englander, Christmas is just not the same without White Christmas.

Don Grigware is an Ovation nominated actor and writer whose contributions to theatre through the years have included 6 years as theatre editor of NoHoLA, a contributor to LA Stage magazine and currently on his own website: www.grigwaretalkstheatre.com

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