Winter Wonderland: Irving Berlin's White Christmas

By Christopher Moore, Broadway Magazine

"I see grown up people leaving the theater like children. They're just giddy with delight. They're trying to catch snowflakes. Seeing grown people enjoying a moment of simplicity is truly inspiring and joyous. The audience is swept up in the charm of this and they leave happy, and feeling buoyant. That is a real joy to me, to see grown-ups shed all their cynicism and walk out with their hearts swelling a bit," smiles director Walter Bobbie in a video conversation with Broadway.tv. Director Bobbie is talking about the new musical Irving Berlin's White Christmas that starts previews at the Marquis Theater on November 14. As the man who helped put the sizzle in the Broadway hit Chicago, Bobbie is now putting the snow in White Christmas. The grand production has earned high praise and warmed hearts during productions outside New York. Now, the show is coming to Broadway. Simultaneous productions of the musical will also play around the country this holiday season both in St. Paul (starting December 2) and Detroit (starting November 19).

The musical is based on the classic film and features some of the finest Berlin tunes ever written. "It's backstage story about two entertainers that really pull off a feat by helping their general from World War II save a country inn. It's as simple as that, and yet it's a very moving story because of the emotion that happens, which is what makes this such a special show," offers 2-time Tony Award nominated choreographer Randy Skinner. Like Bobbie, Skinner is an accomplished Broadway veteran, whose credits include a celebrated revival of 42nd Street. Few choreographers can successfully capture the sweep and magic of classic Hollywood Musicals on Broadway like Skinner. With songs that include Berlin favorites like Blue Skies, Happy Holiday, I Love A Piano, and White Christmas, this production offers both Skinnner and Bobbie a classic canvas on which to work.

"We're doing White Christmas, man," beams Peter Reardon, "It's time for Christmas, and we're bringing a gift to Broadway." Reardon is part of an epic cast of talented dancers, singers, and actors who are bringing a sweeping, upbeat, celebratory Holiday musical at a perfect time for Broadway and the world.

"I think it's more poignant nowadays then ever," suggests the radiant Meredith Patterson when thinking about the show. The show is both poignant and effective, according to audiences who have seen the production out of town. The show is quite possibly the first Broadway musical that is more cinematic then the movie that inspired it. With an artistic attention to detail and festive spirit, Irving Berlin's White Christmas seems poised to become a classic New York holiday experience. Check out the video of rehearsal interviews with Kerry O'Malley, Jeffry Denman, Peter Reardon, Meredith Patterson, Walter Bobbie, Randy Skinner, Melody Hollis, Richie Mastascusa, and more right here on www.Broadway.tv. Also, look for our feature with Jeffry Denman and Meredith Paterson later this month in the newest print issue of Broadway Magazine. Happy Holiday!