I was not looking forward to attending Circa 21’s current show. It absolutely enrages me the way folks start putting up Christmas decorations immediately after Halloween. I love autumn and I love the Thanksgiving holiday. Don’t get me wrong…on December 1st I set my Sirius XM to the Christmas music channel, set my TV to the Hallmark channel and begin my annual list of Christmas movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol (in all it’s iterations) and, of course, White Christmas. In addition, Quad City Music Guild just staged White Christmas last year. To be honest, I thought Circa just might be beating a dead horse.
Boy, was I wrong! Director/Choreographer Ashley Becher has taken this much loved story, dusted it off, and polished it up to the point it could almost be renamed “Miracle on Third Avenue.” Because Becher is also the choreographer she has loaded this show with blazing tap dancing that will tickle your toes. It’s fresh and bedazzling and I especially loved her staging of the “I Love a Piano” number
If that song title doesn’t ring a bell for you, while you will hear the cherished songs from the movie like “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings,” and my personal favorite “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” the stage adaptation has unique songs written specifically for it. You should be aware that while very similar to the film version this is not a regurgitation of the movie.
Set Designer/Scenic Artist Becky Meissen has absolutely outdone herself with this set. From the lighted false proscenium that morphs into mini-sets to flying pieces to elaborate and huge rolling pieces that were moved on and off with lightning speed by the show’s amazing crew. Their hard work made for super sonic pacing.
Taking on the lead roles are some of Circa 21’s favorites. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are brought to the boards by Davenport’s own Kyle DeFauw and Bettendorf transplant Bobby Becher. Taking on their female counterparts Betty and Judy Haynes are new to Circa’s stage Claire McPartland and just off Circa’s production of Chicago is perky Sarah Beth Ganey. The role of the busy-body Martha Watson is expanded in the stage version and Sarah Hayes returns to Circa from last year’s production of The Addams Family with a powerhouse performance. It’s always intimidating to take on iconic roles that have been performed by Hollywood idols, but these performers make them their own. That’s why this show is not a yawner.
I was also expecting a cringe-worthy pre-show from the Bootleggers of all the old mind-numbing Christmas carols. Instead, to my absolute delight, we were treated to a novel medley of weather related numbers like “Here Comes the Sun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “Hazy Shade of Winter,” to prepare us for the upcoming winter season. Perfect.
So…trip-the-light-fantastic on down to Circa 21 for a delectable take on this Christmas classic because…the best things really do happen while you’re dancing.
White Christmas continues at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 – 3rd Avenue in Rock Island through December 28 with matinee performances on Wednesdays, evening performances Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and Dinner performances on Sunday.
I’m Chris Hicks…break a leg.