Paper Mill’s “White Christmas” is a triumph. We live in complicated times and while global warming really IS a thing, it’s good to remember that weather is – well – unpredictable. The premise at the great big valentine heart of the show is helping a friend in need. During a heat wave. In Vermont.
While some might see this show as a vehicle for some seemingly unrelated Irving Berlin songs, there is a reason why Berlin’s music sings. David Ives and Paul Blake’s book takes us back in time and when Artistic Director Mark Hoebee takes the helm, you know that dance will take front and center. When tap is on the menu, open it. All. The. WAY.
Bob Wallace (Max Clayton) and Phil Davis (Casey Garvin) are doing their best to entertain their fellow soldiers during Christmas 1944. None of the fighting men relish the idea of spending the Christmas holidays away from family – especially not knowing how long World War II would continue. General Waverly (Lance Roberts) comes to thank the comic hoofers and buck up the men and wonders what wonders 1954 will bring, ten years hence. Then POOF – it’s 1954!
Our winsome duo has become the toast of Broadway since their return from war and are about to take a little R&R in Miami while working on their next show. Then Phil takes Bob to see a sister act, and four worlds all change at once when the boys meet Judy (Keely Beirne) and Betty (Ashley Blanchet) Haynes. Now schemers Phil and Judy finagle the boys heading North to chillier Vermont. And there’s no business like Snow Business, right? Until they arrived in the Green Mountain State. And it’s still green!
We follow the trials and tribulations as Bob finds something special in Betty that’s never sparked him before and Phil and Judy ride the rollercoaster of love. When they arrive, they meet Martha Watson (Stacia Fernandez) who runs the Inn as any effective adjutant would do – especially when they find the Inn’s proprietor is their very own General Waverly, who is working hard to adapt to civilian life. And the Inn is on the way out, despite Martha’s considerable efforts. They pull in their theater family and put on a show, literally in a barn.
From “Count Your Blessings” and “Blue Skies” that feature Max Clayton, the Regency Room set with Clayton and Ashley Blanchet, “I Love a Piano” which is nothing but fun with Casey Garvin and Keely Beirne all the way through “White Christmas” with the full cast there are treats in abundance. And Stacia Fernandez’ Martha and Lance Roberts’ Waverly both feel like “more”. Your grands who love crooners, your youth who love hoofers and everyone in between will enjoy this show. There’s a complicated world outside. It’s good to see the kind of complications that made holidays a bit crazy were happening back then as they do now. And a happy ending is possible for all of us, even if it’s for two hours plus intermission.
You’re in for a high-octane low low-calorie Holiday Treat! Get your tickets now and get ready to take Berlin. Irving, that is: https://my.papermill.org/overview/wc.