Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee- Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) today announced the cast and creative team for its holiday musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Irving Berlin's White Christmas will be directed by Marc Bruni, with choreography by Randy Skinner and musical direction by Steven Freeman. The cast features: James Clow (Bob Wallace), Tony Yazbeck (Phil Davis), Jill Paice (Betty Haynes), Meredith Patterson (Judy Haynes), Edward James Hyland (General Waverly) and Lorna Luft (Martha Watson). The show begins performances on Wednesday, November 16 and runs at the Millburn theater through Saturday, December 24. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, November 20.
Based on the beloved Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye film, this merry musical tells the tale of two famous song-and-dance men who stage a show in a scenic, snow-topped Vermont inn - and end up finding love with two singing sisters under the mistletoe. With laughter, crazy plot turns, Broadway-size production numbers and the unforgettable music and lyrics of the legendary Irving Berlin, a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, Irving Berlin's White Christmas is a brightly wrapped holiday gift.
Irving Berlin's White Christmas will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. (Check the Paper Mill Playhouse website papermill.org for special holiday schedules.) Three and four show subscription packages are available, starting at $84. Single tickets are on sale from $25. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 25% discount on tickets and should call 973-315-1680. Investors Bank is the proud sponsor of Paper Mill Playhouse's 2011-2012 season.
"We are thrilled to bring this cast of Broadway veterans to our stage," remarked Paper Mill Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee. "There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than a trip to Paper Mill Playhouse to experience this holiday spectacle."
Director Marc Bruni was the Associate Director on 14 Broadway shows including Irving Berlin's White Christmas and last year's Tony-winning revival of Anything Goes. Bruni's last staging at Paper Mill Playhouse was the critically acclaimed production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other directing credits include: Fanny (City Center Encores!), Ordinary Days (Roundabout), In the Mood (Berkshire Theatre Festival), and at St. Louis Muny: The Music Man (Kevin Kline Award nomination). Choreographer Randy Skinner's Broadway credits include: 42nd Street (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Astaire nominations), Ain't Broadway Grand (Tony, Outer Critics nominations), Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Tony, Drama Desk nominations), State Fair (Outer Critics nomination), Lone Star Love (Lucille Lortel nomination). City Center Encores!: Do Re Mi, Of Thee I Sing, Face the Music and No, No, Nanette. London's West End: Lend Me a Tenor: The Musical. The 2001 Tony Awards telecast (opening number).
James Clow plays Bob Wallace, stepping into the role Bing Crosby made famous. Clow was seen on Broadway in: Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Assassins, Wonderful Town, Company, She Loves Me and Blood Brothers. Clow was last seen at Paper Mill Playhouse as George Bailey in A Wonderful Life. Tony Yazbeck portrays Phil Davis, the role played by Danny Kaye in the classic film. Yazbeck's Broadway credits include: Chicago (Billy Flynn), Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Phil Davis), Gypsy with Patti LuPone (Tulsa; Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), A Chorus Line (Al), Never Gonna Dance, Oklahoma!, and Gypsy with Tyne Daly. Sisters Betty and Judy Haynes are played by Jill Paice and Meredith Patterson. Paice was seen on Broadway in: 39 Steps (Annabella/Pam/Margaret), A Little Night Music (Anne), Curtains (Niki Harris) and The Woman in White (Laura Fairlie). Patterson was seen on Broadway in: 42nd Street (Peggy), Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Judy Haynes) and Irving Berlin's Face the Music (Kit Baker) for City Center Encores! Edward James Hyland plays General Waverly. Hyland starred in several feature films including: The Happening, College Road Trip, On the Hook, Trial By Fire and Expiration Date. On the New York stage, Hyland was featured in Arcadia, Festen, and Ah, Wilderness! at Lincoln Center.
Lorna Luft will play the role of Martha Watson. Lorna Luft's acclaimed career has encompassed virtually every arena of entertainment. A celebrated concert performer, stage, film and television actress, best selling author, recording artist and Emmy nominated producer - she continues to triumph in every medium with critics labeling her one of the most vibrant, versatile and exciting artists on stage today. Born to legendary entertainer Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, music and entertainment was an integral part of her childhood. At age 11 she made her television debut singing on her mother's series, The Judy Garland Show. At 16, already a seasoned performer, she shared the bill with her mom on Broadway in a fabled month-long concert engagement at New York's famed Palace Theater.
