Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at Paper Mill Playhouse – Review

Written by Joely DeMonte and Tyler Restucci

Published on December 4, 2024

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas has officially opened at Paper Mill Playhouse running through December 29, 2024. Adapted from the beloved 1954 film, the stage version captures the warmth of the original while adding new sparkle and musicality, setting the perfect tone to usher in the holiday season.

The production brings classic numbers like “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” and of course, “White Christmas” while adding in other Berlin classics, solely for the stage production, “I Love a Piano,” “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun,” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.”

Under the direction of Mark S. Hoebee, the talented cast includes Keely Beirne (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Judy Haynes, Ashley Blanchet (Waitress) as Betty Haynes, Max Clayton (The Music Man) as Bob Wallace, and Casey Garvin (Some Like It Hot) as Phil Davis.

The four are supported by Stacia Fernandez as Martha Watson, Reagan Pender as Ralph Sheldrake, Lance Roberts as General Henry Waverly, and Savannah Austin and Annie Piper Braverman, sharing the role of Susan Waverly. 

The ensemble includes Claire Avakian, Lincoln Belford, Allison Blanchard, Lamont Brown, Sabrina Brush, Rhagan Carter, Sydney Chow, Kelly Gleason, Candice Hatakeyama, Drew King, Ryan Lambert, Cory Lingner, Alex Llorca, Carina-Kay Louchiey, Brady Miller, Larkin Reilly, Buzz Roddy, and Grace Marie Rusnica.

Of course, The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing, with original Broadway choreography by Randy Skinner, recreated for this production by Kristyn Pope with carefully crafted tap numbers evoking the golden age of musical theater.

It is impossible to talk about this production without mentioning the stellar performances of Savannah Austin and Buzz Roddy. Austin, as little Suzie, or Susan as she prefers to be addressed, goes from a studious young girl who just wants to finish her history report, to a bona fide singer-actress. Culminating in her rendition of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” complete with a hat and cane. 

Roddy, on the other hand, plays Ezekiel Foster, a caretaker of the Inn, who ambles on stage whenever he is called, answering with a simple, “a-yup” to any request that is made of him, before going off to complete his tasks at an agonizingly slow pace. This, coupled with the incredibly anxious stage manager expertly played by Lamont Brown, makes for a comedic duo that left the audience (including a certain writer of this paragraph) in stitches whenever they were featured. 

The theme of caring for others, especially during the holidays, resonates deeply throughout the production. The final scene, when the entire cast gathers together to perform the eponymous “White Christmas,” is undeniably heartwarming. You may find yourself misty-eyed, not just because of the snowy backdrop, but because the production captures the true spirit of Christmas: togetherness and hope. 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the 1954 film or someone looking for a festive night out, this production of White Christmas offers everything you need to kick off the holiday season in style.

For tickets or more information, visit https://papermill.org/.

 

Featured image courtesy of Jeremy Daniel