The Long Island Advance
Wrap your arms around this ‘White Christmas’ holiday present
The breakout number, “Let Yourself Go,” at the start of Gateway’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical,” with the cast and ensemble, is a gorgeous, rousing start of things to come.
It’s full throttle, hands up, skirts sashaying song and dance. They sing “Happy Holiday,” ring bells.
It’s “I’m happy to be alive!”
You would want to be with them at the Columbia Inn this season.
That’s in Pine Tree, Vt. It’s the Christmas season, and former World War II Army Gen. Henry Waverly is struggling to keep the customers coming. On top of that, there’s no snow. Uh oh!
But here come former soldiers from his 150th First Division, who performed in the field, Bob Wallace (Jeremiah James) and Phil Davis (Jeremy Benton), who turn up and pitch a show to save the inn. Throw in two gorgeous sisters, Betty Haynes (Marie Eife) and Judy Haynes (Kelly Sheehan), the grumpy General (Tom Galantich), a sassy inn concierge (Amy Bodnar), romantic snafus, comedy, an ebullient ensemble, an orchestra that plays full-tilt, music and dancing.
There are 20 terrific showstoppers. It was angst choosing a few, but here goes.
The “Sisters” song, with Betty and Judy, is a winking, funny performance with the actresses singing while wearing gorgeous sequined turquoise dresses, gracefully dancing with big feather fans. Their voices are top notch and present the kind of classy enchantment you rarely see nowadays.
I was actually singing “Snow” on a walk with my dog the day after I saw the musical.
That’s launched into when Phil wrangles the train ticket from Grand Central, Track 22, for Vermont, tricking Bob instead of heading to a gig to Miami, after learning the General was in trouble. And after discovering that Betty and Judy are going there, too, for a performance. The passengers in the train car are all set for snow with skis, hats, scarves gloves. Phil, Judy, Bob, Betty, Snoring Man and Mrs. Snoring Man (yep, those are the characters) sing this buoyant, harmonic song with choruses that raise the bar.
Watch Benton and Sheehan (she’s been performing “White Christmas” for almost 15 years on Broadway and the National Tour) as they light into “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing.” It’s pure American theater choreography with sweeping, romantic steps, swing, tap and Latin. Kudos to Sheehan; it ain’t easy with heels.
The barn scene with the ensemble in “Blue Skies” is a gorgeous movement, with blue and white jackets, white hats for emphasis, batons. Wow!
So, words about the actors. There are 14 Actors Equity performers, including ensemble players in this fab company of 31; the six main cast have Broadway and/or Broadway National Tour experience. Besides Broadway, Jeremiah James as Bob Wallace, is a West End performer and international recording artist.
His baritone/tenor voice in “Count Your Blessings” is tender and touching. “How Deep Is the Ocean” is a smoky, passionate yearning when he’s wooing Betty. James is hilarious when he and Benton dance and vamp to “Sisters” with pants rolled up.
Benton as Phil Davis played Fred Astaire in Off Broadway’s “Cheek to Cheek: Irving Berlin in Hollywood,” and was an Astaire Award nominee in Off Broadway’s. “Cagney.” He teaches tap at Steps on Broadway. Long, intricate production numbers, especially tap, aren’t easy, but Benton energizes his dances and glides through.
Amy Bodnar (Broadway in “Oklahoma” and “Ragtime”) as Martha Watson, the concierge, is the surprise inclusion to Bob and Phil’s show when she struts and belts out “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” in the barn.
Marie Eife (Broadway National Tour, “Wicked) as Betty scorches with the torch song, “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me.”
Tom Galantich plays General Waverly (Broadway and TV) as a soft touch under all that bluster. And Sofia Da Costa-Wilson got cheers as granddaughter Susan Waverly when she auditions for a part.
So, here’s the thing. The stars of the show are superb, the ensemble is terrific, the costumes are colorful couture, the orchestra plays this lovely score with skilled abandon. And while the musical is an adaptation of a 1954 movie of the same name, its themes of romance, joy, and loyalty still endure. Go see it.
Patch.com
The Gateway Brings Broadway to Bellport
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the one you used to know, The Gateway's "Irving Berlin's White Christmas: The Musical" is the place to be! Jam-packed with some of the finest "Great White Way" actors and expertly directed by Randy Skinner, the original choreographer for the 2008 Broadway production, this holiday classic brings the magic and wonder of Broadway to Bellport.
With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, this two-act musical is based on the iconic 1954 film of the same name, which starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney.
The sensational score, overflowing with many well-loved standards from Berlin's songbook, showcases various musical styles, including classic Broadway, swing, jazz, tap, and some of the most breathtaking ballads of all time. Berlin's beloved hits call for an astute musical director, and Andrew Haile Austin brought his A-game to this production. The icing on this holiday treat is Skinner's 2009 Tony Award-nominated choreography, featuring tap, ballroom, fan dances, fancy footwork, and sky-high kicks. Under Skinner's expert supervision, choreographer Mary Giattino, a former Rockette and Broadway veteran, successfully recreated the original Broadway choreography for Gateway's production of "Irving Berlin's White Christmas."
The musical opens on Christmas Eve, 1944. As World War II rages on the Western Front, two showbiz buddies serving in the U.S. Army entertain war-weary troops with a festive holiday show. Belting out "Happy Holiday" and "White Christmas," Jeremiah James as Bob Wallace and Jeremy Benton as Phil Davis commanded the stage with their stellar vocals. We're also introduced to General Henry Waverly, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Galantich.
Flash forward to 1954 with Army veterans Wallace and Davis, now a successful song-and-dance team, following the Haynes sisters, a singing act, to a ski resort in Vermont known as the Columbia Inn, where they're scheduled to perform a Christmas show. Kelly Sheehan as Judy Haynes and Marie Eife as Betty Haynes were perfectly cast in their respective roles.
When Phil and Bob discover that Henry Waverly, their former General, owns the ski resort and is in financial trouble, they recruit their old army buddy, Ralph Sheldrake, a prominent television executive, to help save the inn. Cullen R. Titmas will play the role of Ralph Sheldrake in future shows; however, Glenn Girón did a fantastic job portraying Sheldrake during Saturday evening's performance. As Martha Watson, the inn's wisecracking concierge, Amy Bodnar gave a showstopping performance with her upbeat rendition of "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy."
This musical incorporates several "shows within the show." At Jimmy's Back Room, Betty (Marie Eife) and Judy (Kelly Sheehan) perform a fabulous rendition of "Sisters," complete with a well-choreographed fan dance. One of the show's highlights was Jeremy Benton and Kelly Sheehan's tap-dancing extravaganza number "I Love a Piano." Their sparkly black and white glitter costumes, designed by the talented Carrie Robbins, added a touch of class to the number. I loved the fabulous black evening gown Betty (Sheehan) wore during a heartrending scene at the Regency Room in New York City, where she delivers a sexy, sultry rendition of "Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me." In response, Jeremiah James gave a standout performance when he crooned "How Deep is the Ocean." "Blue Skies," a big production number, was one of the show's highlights. Everything from James's magnificent vocals to the high-voltage choreography and the captivating costumes made this an unforgettable theatrical onstage moment.
Sonnie Betts and Sofia Da Costa-Wilson share the role of Susan Waverly. At Saturday's opening night performance, Sonnie Betts gave an award-worthy performance as Susan, General Waverly's precocious granddaughter. Betts has a charismatic stage presence and showcased her strong vocals during her solo, a reprise of "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy."
Kudos to David L. Arsenault for his innovative set design, which flawlessly shifted from location to location, quickly transforming as needed into various settings such as a train car, the Columbia Inn, a Vermont barn, and The Regency Room.
The multi-talented ensemble includes Brian C Veith, Amy Persons, Glenn Girón, Evan Bertram, Sean Quinn, Daryn Polzin, Chase Fontenot, Maggie Bergman, David Benjamin Perry, Melissa Lynne Jones, Joseph Ryan Harrington, Elizabeth McGuire, Isaiah Mayhew, Keila Sue Wong, Josh McWhortor, and Michelle Lemon.
Treat your friends and family to this festive, feel-good musical, which reminds us to count our blessings!
Dan's Papers
Gateway Playhouse Rings in the Holidays with a Glorious 'White Christmas'
Timeless songs, spectacular tap numbers, effervescent comedy with romance sprinkled on top all wrapped with a giant red bow, that’s White Christmas, Gateway Playhouse’s gift for this holiday season.
Based on the much-loved 1954 film classic, White Christmas, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and book by David Ives and Paul Blake, the musical film starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen. The first stage adaptation did not happen until 2000 when the musical titled Irving Berlin’s White Christmas premiered in St. Louis at The Muny, then opened in San Francisco (2004) before playing a limited engagement on Broadway from November 14, 2008, until January 4, 2009.
The story revolves around two former WWII army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who, after the war, become a famous song and dance team appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, as well as successful musical show producers. They get a letter presumably from an army buddy asking them to check out his sisters’ singing act at a local nightclub. Sparks fly when they meet these sisters, Betty Haynes and Judy Haynes, who are leaving that night for a Vermont inn to fulfill a booking engagement. In pursuit of romance, Phil tricks Bob into boarding a train supposedly headed for Florida but actually going to Vermont. By the time Bob figures that out, they have almost arrived. Upon checking into the Vermont Inn, they discover that their former general, Henry Waverly, who now owns the inn, has fallen on hard times, but a solution is on its way.
Gateway Playhouse with picturesque grounds in Bellport is celebrating its 75th season of bringing Broadway-caliber theater to Long Island audiences and White Christmas is a stunning example of this theatre’s top-notch offerings. It is noteworthy that, on the night of this review, audiences showed appreciation from the start with rousing applause after each musical number leading up to a standing ovation at curtain call.
Director, Randy Skinner, who originally choreographed the UK tours and the Broadway production of White Christmas, has assembled a phenomenal cast that keeps the pacing lively throughout. Jeremiah James is a charming Bob Wallace and when he tries to resist the elegant Betty Haynes played to perfection by Marie Eife, we are taken by his vulnerability. James’ tenor impresses as he wends his way through songs like “Blue Skies” and all the captivating duets shared with Eife’s soaring soprano on “Love, You Didn’t Do Right by Me,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.”
Jeremy Benton as Phil Davis is the quintessential song and dance man while Kelly Sheehan as Judy Haynes is an energetic force of nature. Their dance routines through “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” and “I Love a Piano” appear effortless.
The supporting cast is first-rate. Tom Galantich gives a dynamic performance as General Henry Waverly whose stern exterior occasionally melts revealing his gentle soul. Amy Bodnar as Martha Watson is a complete joy with impeccable comedic timing. She takes center stage belting out “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” and nearly stops the show. The general’s granddaughter, Susan Waverly, played by adorable Sofia Da Costa-Wilson, does a spirited reprise of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.” The ensemble is synchronized and poised. A stand-out is Amy Persons who is hysterical in each of her scenes and Keila Sue Wong whose animated stage presence is eye-catching.
Musical director, Andrew Haile Austin, and the band take on Irving Berlin’s well-known score with gusto providing exhilarating accompaniment for each song and dance number. Choreography is central to this show and Mary Giattino’s recreation of the original Broadway dance routines is outstanding. From the Haynes sisters’ comedic duet with giant blue feather fans on “Sisters” to the impeccable tap on “I Love a Piano,” each number is performed with precision.
Costume designer, Carrie Robbins’ 1950’s period piece confections make for ease of movement from all the swing skirts in a kaleidoscope of colors to Judy’s pink flowing skirt and form-fitting vest, to the sisters’ blue lace dresses to Betty’s dramatic black gown in the climactic scene to all those festive red velvet gowns and suits trimmed with white in the “White Christmas” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” finale. Wig and makeup design by Dustin Lawson compliments with the necessary 1950’s flair.
David L. Arsenault’s set design assists with the show’s pacing as it morphs easily from scene to scene and makes for impressive visuals. Brian Loesch’s lighting design illuminates the big numbers and gives subtle touches to gentler moments. Sound design by Ben Takitch adds crispness to the vocals and keeps the levels just right.
Gateway Playhouse’s White Christmas is a glorious treat of sight and sound for the entire family, so ring in the holidays with this spectacular musical running now through December 29.
With support from
Bellport Box Office
Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 6pmClosed Monday
631-286-1133
boxoffice@thegateway.org
