Global warming may have robbed us of white Christmases for the past few years but you will have no trouble finding one at Quad City Music Guild’s current production of the stage adaptation of Irving Berlin’s 1954 film White Christmas directed by Kevin Pieper. This adaptation features 17 of Berlin’s songs with book by David Ives and Paul Blake.
I personally think it is the ultimate act of theatre bravery to take on such a show like White Christmas that can’t help but compete with what is one of THE most iconic Christmas films. In fact, the original Broadway production garnered a scathing review from “New York Times” critic Charles Isherwood that read it was as: “fresh and appealing as a role of Necco wafers found in a mothballed Christmas stocking.” Far, far too harsh; if you banish the film from your memory you will be treated to an endearing, fun delight to usher in our most cherished holiday.
This adaptation does contain plot differences, new characters, character twists, and additional Irving Berlin songs not found in the movie such as “I Love a Piano” which includes an energetic tap dance sequence and “Blue Skies” which is actually the closing number of the production. Ironically, “I Love a Piano” was originally written for and was included in the film “Easter Parade.” But don’t despair! Favorites like “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” “Sisters,” and “Count Your Blessings” are all included in the adaptation if presented slightly differently from the film.
And I don’t envy actors who have to compete with performers like Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen but Aaron Deneckere as Bob Wallace, Daniel Williams as Phil Davis, Peyton Reese as Betty Haynes and Marissa Pedersen as Judy Haynes are more than up to the task. Julie Wilson Funk as the busybody Martha Watson absolutely kills it and has vocal chops that rival the famous Ethel Merman. I continue to be utterly amazed at the vocal talent we have here in the Quad Cities.
Providing the “awwwww” factor to this show is the perfectly precious pairing of real-life grandpa and granddaughter team of Craig Woodard and Annabel Mandle as General and Susan Waverly. Annabel totally steals the scene with her “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” number.
I can’t close out this review without extending massive kudos to the crews for a hugely elaborate set that includes a World War II combat scene, a hotel lobby, and the interior of a barn as well as efficient scene changes and spot on costuming.
As director Kevin Pieper states in the program: “In what is, at times, a very tense world around us, it is good to take moments such as these to step away from the turmoil, briefly set aside the things that concern us and enjoy a trip into another world where problems are solved with a song or a dance and, of course, there is happiness in the end.” I couldn’t say it any better.
White Christmas continues at Quad City Music Guild’s theatre in Moline’s Prospect Park Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. If you’re new to Music Guild, be advised that parking at the theatre is limited to the handicapped and to volunteers only. All others can catch a shuttle from the Southpark Mall’s parking lot outside of JC Penney’s.
I’m Chris Hicks…jingle my bells and break a leg.