“White Christmas” ( Munster)

★★★★As “turkey Day” approaches, we are reminded that Christmas is very close. Not just by the pop-up ads on our phones and computers, but in the theaters around the town. Of course, “A Christmas Carol” is at the Goodman and American Blues brings back their glorious radio version of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and what would the holiday be without Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”? Well, this year, it appears that we will have more than one version of this delightful musical that many confuse with “Holiday Inn”, another musical that contains a few of the same Berlin tunes, which will be on the schedule for Broadway In Chicago ( touring company) and is now on the stage at Theatre At The Center in Munster. A sweet and very well done production under the clever eye of Linda Fortunato.

Both of these musicals are based on movies that date back to 1944 and then move forward to 1954. They also both deal with failing inns that need a shot in the arm to survive and keep open. I will concentrate on “White Christmas” as this is the one that we saw. Fortunato has put together a cast that is strong in talent, even if they are small in numbers. This is a huge cast show, but she has managed to make it more intimate and her ensemble of players are able to become many characters as needed. The play opens in 1944, somewhere in Europe during WWII on a Christmas Eve. Our two main characters  Bob Wallace ( Matt Edmonds is truly showing his versatility in this role) and his partner Phil Davis ( an incredible performance by Justin Brill) are “song and dance” men who have put on a Christmas show for the troop and honored their general, General Waverly ( played to perfection by Neil Friedman).

Fast forward to the 1950’s where these song and dance men are doing an Ed Sullivan TV show ( for those youngsters out there, this was a Sunday night prime-time variety show that everyone lived for. Back in those days, we only had three or four stations). They are looking for a “sister-act” to add to their show and find one that is not only filled with talent, but will change their lives. They are Betty (deftly handled by Erica Stephan) and Judy ( a powerhouse of energy and talent brought to life by Cashena Raether). The big tap dance number that opens the second act, “I Love a Piano” that she and Phil do along with the ensemble of dancers is a show-stopper. Fortunato, who also does the choreography on the show truly did a number on this one!

Bob, the confirmed bachelor also finds romance on the journey. The guys follow the girls to a show they are doing in Vermont at a lodge that has some problems. There is greatweather, BUT not weather that a ski lodge can use… no snow! Turns out that the lodge is owned by their retired General and the guys wire their troupe to come and put on a show to save their friend’s Inn. The putting the pieces together of putting on a show in a barn and then getting he Ed Sullivan Show to televise it is pretty much what it is about.

The songs that are in this play, “Sisters”, “How Deep is The Ocean” “Blue Skies”, “Happy Holiday” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” and of course “White Christma” are songs that are very familiar. I’ll bet even the younger set knows those. Funny thing about this is that some of these songs also appear in “Holiday Inn”, as well.

The casting of this show is what makes it so special. Glory Kissel is dynamite as the General’s concierge and Raegan Smedley is adorable as his granddaughter Susan. John Gurdian is hysterical in the role of Ezekial Foster, the handyman at the Inn and Denzel Tsopnang as Ralph Sheldrake, front man for the TV show and then the ensemble, wow! Ann Delaney, Allison Graves, Andrew MacNaughton, Matthew Huston, Maggie Melaney, Matthew Weidenbener, Victoria Newhuis and Lance Spencer.

The music is conducted by William Underwood and his five piece orchestra that makes music that sounds like double that size. Well done!

On the tech side, the sets (Jack Magaw) are quite simple and easy to handle allowing the scene changes to never slow down the action, and of greater importance, not to overpower the performers making the story come alive. I imagine the touring show will go much further in sets design, but I doubt they will have the personality of the Munster production. Brenda Winstead’s costumes are outstanding and very colorful. The lighting (Denise Karczewski) and sound (Barry G. Funderberg) are terrific and the props ( Melissa Geel) perfect. Kevin Barthel, as always does the hair and wigs.

“White Christmas” ( Munster version) will continue at Theatre At The Center in nearby Munster thru December 22nd with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  2 p.m.

Thursdays  2 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays   3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $42-$46 and can be purchased by calling 219-836-3255 or online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com

The theater is located  at 1040 Ridge Road, just a short hop from the “loop” and there is plenty of free parking. You will also find that once in Indiana, your gas and sales tax is less, so you might truly see why many love this theater.

FYI- the tickets are selling quickly so if you plan on enjoying the family fare that is waiting for you,- Do not hesitate.

Running time ,two hours and twenty minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “White Christmas”.