Christmas arrived early on Broadway this year when Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS celebrated the opening of the Marquis Theatre box office (1535 Broadway) on Monday, October 6th with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the stars in full costume, the first holiday tree lighting of the season and complimentary Starbucks holiday beverages.
After officially "unwrapping" the box office Monday morning at 11:00 a.m., the stars of the upcoming musical spread holiday cheer with gift-wrapped Ghostlight original cast recordings for anyone who purchased tickets from 11a.m. - 12 p.m.
The cast also decorated two Christmas trees as part of the permanent Marquis Winter landscape to be installed in the heart of Times Square - before sending ticket buyers off with the first tree lighting of the season and the gift of
Irving Berlin's beloved music.
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS, a new musical stage reinvention of the cherished classic film, arrives on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre this holiday season for 63 performances only - guaranteeing New York a white Christmas!
Previews begin Friday, November 14th, 2008 for an official opening on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008, and a limited run through Sunday, January 4th, 2009.
Tony Award® nominee
Stephen Bogardus (Love! Valour! Compassion!),
Kerry O'Malley (Into the Woods),
Jeffry Denman (The Producers),
Meredith Patterson(42nd Street),
Charles Dean (Berkeley Repertory Theatre) and
Susan Mansur(Damn Yankees) will lead a cast of 33 in the highly anticipated holiday engagement.
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS is produced by
Kevin McCollum,
John Gore,
Tom McGrath,
Paul Blake, The Producing Office,
Dan Markley,
Sonny Everettand
Broadway Across America in association with
Paramount Pictures.
Every holiday season, audiences of all ages enjoy the uplifting story of
White Christmas. Now, a new generation will be able to experience this holiday tradition in a completely new way - live on stage. With the Broadway arrival of
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS, the show is poised to become New York's newest holiday tradition.
The musical tells the story of two showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and find their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written,
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the entire family.
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS is directed by Tony Award® winner
Walter Bobbie (Chicago, Sweet Charity), with a book by
David Ives (Is He Dead?) and
Paul Blake, choreography by Tony Award® nominee
Randy Skinner (42nd Street), set design by Tony Award® nominee
Anna Louizos (In the Heights,
Avenue Q), costumes by Tony Award® nominee
Carrie Robbins (
Grease, Over Here), lighting design by Tony Award® winner
Ken Billington (Chicago, The Drowsy Chaperone, Annie), sound design by Tony Award® nominee
Acme Sound Partners (In the Heights, Spamalot), orchestrations by Tony Award® nominee
Larry Blank (The Drowsy Chaperone), vocal and dance arrangements by
Bruce Pomahac, music supervision by
Rob Berman, and casting by
Jay BinderC.S.A. The stage production is based on the
Paramount Pictures film, written for the screen by
Norman Krasna,
Norman Panama, and
Melvin Frank.
Many
Irving Berlin classics are showcased in the new musical, including "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "I Love a Piano," "Sisters," "How Deep is the Ocean" and the unforgettable title song, "
White Christmas." This production of
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS plays during the holiday season each year in a different city, bringing the spirit of love, charity, and song around the country for all to enjoy.
Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS made its world premiere stage debut during the 2004 holiday season in San Francisco, garnering rave reviews and establishing its status as a don't-miss holiday show.
Tickets prices are $66.50, $91.50 and $121.50 (including $1.50 facility fee), and available by calling Ticketmaster at 212-307-4100 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
For group sales details and pricing call The Group Sales Box Office at 800-223-7565 or visit www.bestofbroadway.com.
For more information including complete schedule please visit
www.whitechristmasthemusical.com
Photo Credit Peter James Zielinski
White Christmas at the Marquis
The cast takes over Times Square
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus
Producer Kevin McCollum
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus with the cast
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus
Jeffry Denman and Meredith Patterson
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson and Kerry O'Malley
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson and Kerry O'Malley
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus
Producer Kevin McCollum and Kerry O'Malley
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus
Margot De La Barre, Jacob ben Widmar and Kelly Sheehan
Shannon O'Bryan, Mary Giattino and Richie Mastascusa
Stephen Bogardus, Kerry O'Malley, Jeffry Denman, and Meredith Patterson
Richie Mastascusa and Shannon O'Bryan
The cast of White Christmas
The Christmas Trees are lit
Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Kerry O'Malley, and Stephen Bogardus