The Norris Center for the Performing Arts presents the sparkling holiday musical, "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," for six performances, tonight, December 6-15. The lavish Broadway romantic comedy, which is adapted from the classic 1954 film starring Bing Crosby, features 17 of Irving Berlin's greatest songs, full orchestra, and even a live snowfall on stage.
The 24-member cast includes
Brent Schindele as Bob Wallace,
David Lamoureux as Phil Davis, Gail Ellen Bennett as Betty Haynes,
Tro Shaw as
Judy Haynes, Polly Seale as Martha Watson, Michael Prohaska as General Waverly and introducing Ashley Reynolds as
Susan Waverly.
The show is produced by
James Gruessing and directed by
Randy Brenner, with choreography by
Kami Seymour and musical direction by
Daniel Thomas.
Faithful to the original film, "White Christmas" is centered around two showbiz stars and World War II army buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. With romance in mind, they follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a picturesque Vermont lodge -- which happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former Army commander. When they learn that the inn's future is in jeopardy, the men team up with the sisters to save the day by producing a holiday show bursting with dazzling production numbers and a generous helping of yuletide cheer.
The illustrious
Irving Berlin score includes such timeless songs as "Blue Skies," "Sisters," "Counting My Blessings," "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing," "Snow" and "I Love a Piano." Topping it all off, of course, is the award-winning title tune.
With a book by
David Ives and
Paul Blake, the stage version of "
Irving Berlin's White Christmas" debuted in 2004 in San Francisco, and premiered on Broadway in 2008, receiving two Tony nominations.
"The heartwarming story and beloved songs of 'White Christmas' have been enjoyed by families for generations," said
James Gruessing, artistic director of the Norris Center for the Performing Arts. "Now, this magical holiday classic can be experienced live, on stage in one of the most spectacular productions in the 31-year history of the Norris Theatre. We hope that everyone will join us for this bright and merry musical that the New York Daily News called 'a holiday card come to life.'"
Performance times for the December 6-15 engagement of "
Irving Berlin's White Christmas" are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m.on Sundays. Ticket prices are $45 for adults and $25 for children, and group discounts are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (310) 544-0403 or visit
www.norriscenter.com. Free, covered parking is located behind the theatre. The facility is wheelchair accessible and assisted listening devices are provided upon request. The Norris theatre is located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
About Norris Center for the Performing Arts:
The nonprofit Norris Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to fulfilling the cultural needs of the South Bay area of Los Angeles by producing a full season of professional,
Live Theatre performances each year, from Broadway musicals to concerts and plays. The Norris Center is comprised of three facilities; the Norris Theatre, Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, and a new dedicated education building for performing arts classes. Established in 1983, the 450-seat Norris Theatre offers tiered seating with outstanding visibility from any seat in the house.
Photo Credit: Ed Krieger
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