Happy Holidays

White Christmas

We’ve already had an early snowfall in Chicagoland this Winter, but, at Aurora’s breathtaking Paramount Theatre, the snow is falling again on stage, night after night. The award-winning Theatre’s latest offering is a truly magical stage adaptation of the classic 1954 film holiday film. Audiences, both young and old, will be absolutely delighted and emotionally moved by Paramount’s sweet-sounding, visually stunning Christmas confection. This musical production glitters so brightly and sparkles with so much talent that it’s guaranteed to put the audience in the holiday mood.

 WHITE CHRISTMAS is like a hot cup of cocoa. It’s warm, old-fashioned and brims with sweet spectacle and heart. The familiar score offers a stocking stuffed with musical treats from the Irving Berlin songbook. The heartfelt story is about two show biz couples who fall in love while trying to save a struggling Vermont lodge. The blend of sophistication and folksiness, humor and heart, along with all the show’s favorite characters, nicely drive the plot from tender ballad to big production number. The result is like a welcome trip home for Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Director Stephen Schellhardt returns to Paramount, after his promising debut last Spring Directing THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Once again, and on a much larger scale this time, Mr. Schellhardt works theatrical magic with his winning cast of 30 talented triple threats. He thoughtfully and lovingly stages and guides his production, highlighting each and every character while always showcasing his hardworking ensemble. After her lovely work with Paramount’s astounding production of FROZEN, talented Tiffany Krause Choreographs each song and dance number with seasoned skill and charming, old-fashioned style. Ms. Krause’s wickedly wonderful “I Love a Piano” is opens Act II with a bang and simply brings down the house. And multiple Jeff Award-winner Kory Danielson returns to Musically Direct this talented large cast, as well as serving as the production’s Maestro, Conducting the show’s lush 15-piece pit orchestra.   

Award-winning Scenic Designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec has created a stylish, yet rustic, barn wood proscenium that frames the story. In addition, his spectacular scenery includes a plush railroad car, a gorgeous New York City nightclub and, of course, the homey Vermont country inn, where the snow-filled Christmas show primarily unfolds. The backdrops are particularly lovely. A talented Costumer, the always impressive Designer, Mara Blumenfeld, returns to the Paramount Theatre after her wardrobe wizardry with FROZEN, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS. This gifted creative conjurer of cloth provides loads of sparkle and elegance, creating a colorful, sophisticated, period-perfect palette of fashions from the 1950’s. Especially gorgeous, Ms. Blumenfeld’s multi-patterned, black-and-white wardrobe for 

“I Love a Piano,” coupled with Mr. Kmiec’s stunning Scenic work, brings the ivories to life.

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye would’ve been proud of the two gifted leading actors who portray their roles from the iconic film. In the role created by Bing Crosby, Alex Syiek’s velvety vocals caress each and every song. And the multitalented actor also dances like a dream. Mr. Syiek, who audiences may remember from his leading roles in Paramount’s GROUNDHOG DAY and INTO THE WOODS, also appeared as Mr. Boddy in the First National Tour of CLUE. He’s paired with talented song-and-dance man and Army buddy, Phil Davis (the Danny Kaye character), played with so much effervescent energy, contagious charisma and stupendous skill by the wonderful Evan C. Dolan. This uber talented triple-threat with the happy feet has been enjoyed in countless musicals all over the country, and Paramount is fortunate that he’s heading up this cast in this production.

The lovely and talented Jessie J. Potter plays perky Judy Haynes, the role made famous in the film by Vera-Ellen. She’s perfectly paired with Mr. Dolan, and their partnership bring romance, humor and poetry-in-motion to the stage. Gorgeous and stylish actress/songbird Sophie Grimm is given her long-awaited opportunity to play a leading role as Betty Haynes, the Rosemary Clooney role. It was well worth the wait because, after appearing in supporting roles in Paramount’s WAITRESS, LEGALLY BLONDE, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and COME FROM AWAY, Ms. Grimm bewitches the audience with her astounding talent and charm. Her performance of “Sisters,” with Ms. Potter, is a delight. And Sophie’s smoky and sophisticated “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” is both soulful and beautiful. Mr. Syiek and Ms. Grimm bring back old-fashioned style and romance to numbers like “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” and “How Deep is the Ocean,” while the entire company has a go with the sweetly sincere “Blue Skies,” the warm and wonderful “Happy Holidays” and the titular “White Christmas.”

One of the brightest new actresses of the Chicago Theatre, Abby C. Smith practically steals this production. This lovable comedienne and Broadway-style belter is a welcome treat as the sassy, wisecracking Martha Watson, the real brains behind the Vermont Inn. She shines like a star on top of this dazzling Christmas tree. Ms. Smith’s show-stopping performance of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” brings a grin to everyone’s face (as does Omi Lichtenstein, as young Susan Waverly, in her walloping reprise of the song). The always terrific character actor, David Girolmo, is impressively stirring and commanding as retired General Henry Waverly, the owner of the Vermont bed-and-breakfast. Mr. Girolmo’s speech delivered to his men in Act II is honest, heartfelt and so moving. And two of the talented actors who play multiple supporting roles in this production include the always wonderful Jason Richards, as fast-talking Ralph Sheldrake; and Joe Giovannetti, who bring the laughs as the addled Mike Nulty, the show’s stage manager obsessed with perfectionism.

With Thanksgiving only a week away, it can’t be denied that the holiday season has already begun. Paramount Theatre’s glorious, star-studded production is sure to inspire theatergoers to haul out the holly and start posting their letters to Santa. This sweet old-fashioned musical is filled with charm, humor and some welcome delights from the Irving Berlin songbook. Every song and dance is performed with panache and pizzazz by a gifted company of triple-threat professionals who continually bring the audience to their feet. And while Stephen Schellhardt’s production feels fresh and contemporary, it’s like a good, old-fashioned eggnog: seasoned with just the right amount of spirit, spice and sentimentality. WHITE CHRISTMAS is warm, filled with heaps of heart for all ages and a glittery greeting of “Happy Holidays!”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 12-January 11 by Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Paramount Theatre box office, by calling 630-896-6666 or by visiting www.paramountaurora.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com