“White Christmas” Sparkles This Holiday Season
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Paramount Theater’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the Musical” is an absolutely perfect holiday show. The sets are charming: a huge barn with wonderful backdrops, a busy train, the quaint Vermont Inn itself, the Ed Sullivan Show studio, and an exclusive New York City club are welcoming and colorful. There is actual cold melting snow falling on stage and right over the audience during the production finale – completely magical and enchanting. This upbeat theatrical work is both heartwarming and exciting – “White Christmas” is the feel good musical of the season.
I love the spectacular costumes, era appropriate with just the right amount of glimmer. The finale dresses are absolutely stunning – full out glamor and holiday season glitz. Soap bubble head and posterior pieces in the first act are delightful. The audience cannot get enough of the spectacular production numbers that bring the house down. Equally as entertaining are the quiet reflective moments that touch the soul with genuine heartfelt emotion.
The dance sequences are fabulous; the second act opens with a very show stopping black and white piano tap number. “Blue Skies” is extraordinary, with lovely blue costumes and upbeat staging. Both versions of “Sisters” are completely memorable and captivating. Lighting is very well done, illuminating and subtle.
I can’t say enough good things about the entire splendid cast. Playing Betty is Chicago favorite Sophie Grimm – she gives a flawless performance, channeling Rosemary Clooney while making the role her own. Her singing voice is absolutely lovely, and Ms. Grimm sets the stage with Hollywood glamor of yesteryear, stealing the show in a glamorous black gown and sparkling accessories, both gorgeous and regal. Jessie J. Potter’s Judy has spunk and aplomb – her dancing is fabulous, her comic timing excellent.
Martha is portrayed by the beautiful Abby C. Smith – audiences will remember her from Paramount’s recent production of “Come From Away”. Ms. Smith has a powerful voice and amazing stage presence – she gives Martha just the right amount of fiestiness, her line delivery impeccable and realistic. I would have liked to have seen this charming lady dressed in more feminine attire throughout the show, then was thrilled to see her decked out in a resplendent green gown during the final act.
Bob Wallace is brought to life by the handsome Alex Syiek, his baritone voice strong and clear. Mr. Syiek’s rendition of “Count Your Blessings…” is the best I have heard on stage. Alex’s rapport with the character of the General’s grandaughter Susan is very touching and sincere. Phil Davis is expertly played by Evan C. Dolan, both funny and energetic – he lights up the stage with his dancing and wit. Character actor Carl Draper is hilarious as Ezekiel and Mr. Snoring Man; both of his characters are clearly audience favorites. I am completely impressed with the performance of David Girolmo as General Waverly – his perfect blend of the aging military man, grandfather, and struggling innkeeper is a pleasure to watch. David handles the subtleties of tenderness and toughness with seasoned perfection. When he gazes into the audience to call out to his soldiers, he is completely believable.
As the put upon stage manager Mike, who shares his office with an actual pig, Joe Giovannetti is very credible, his nervous energy never over the top. Jason Richards personifies Ralph Sheldrake very consistently – he projects well and is very likeable. Last, but certainly not least, are two lovely young and talented actresses, both with splendid singing voices, sharp comic timing, and exemplary stage presence, sharing the role of Susan. Omi Liechtenstein and Tessa Mae Pundsack are two young ladies that I expect to see much more of on the stage.
It can be a very arduous task to portray characters that have been made famous by legendary actors in a timeless classic – this cast carries it off with ease. “White Christmas” is the Broadway level experience we have come to expect from Paramount, complete with signature drinks and delightful souvenirs for sale in the lobby. When you “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep”, consider this “Happy Holidays” as one of them, but remember this snow will fall for the last time January 11th, so make tracks for the white powder at www.paramountaurora.com.
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