BWW Reviews: IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS

IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS is a tap dancing good time at the theatre. The classic movie-made-into-a-musical has plenty of charms, but it truly shines when Jeremy Benton & Kaitlyn Davidson are dancing, which is often. They and the strong ensemble show off considerable dancing chops throughout the show. The numbers are impressive and show-stopping -- especially "I Love a Piano," at the top of Act II. Direction and choreography by Randy Skinner were solid. And the dancing paired with gorgeous costumes and recognizable tunes made the whole night a treat.

The show stars James Clow as "Bob Wallace," Benton as "Phil Davis," Trista Moldovan as "Betty Haynes," and Davidson as "Judy Haynes." The musical features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin with book by David Ives and Paul Blake and is based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

The notstalgic holiday film moments are all there: "White Christmas" (complete with an audience sing-a-long), "Blue Skies," "Sisters" and all the rest as the troupe tries to save the inn owned by Wallace & Davis' former war general in Vermont in the 1950s with a show within a show.

While Wallace & Davis and their lady loves, Betty & Judy, are all good singer/dancers, the relationship between Bob & Betty never moves beyond the tension when they first meet or feels genuine when the duo should be in love. Benton and Davidson's pairing feels more true, and is more fun.

The audience especially responded to a side character, Zeke, who's sole purpose was the cross the stage with a cigarette hanging off his lips and open or close the show's curtains. Something about his deadpan performance sparked the giggles in the crowd.

The production reminds us all what we have waiting for us outside when we leave when the big finale number concludes with snow canons shooting fluffy white stuff out over the orchestra section, making for a spectacular-looking scene. The production design by Anna Louizos and costumes by Carrie Robbins are colorful, bright and give the feelings of a holiday full of cheer. All this is enough to send you off into the cold Minnesota November night feeling ready for the holidays ahead.

For more information on IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS, please visit www.whitechristmasthemusical.com.

TICKET INFORMATION - Tickets for IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS start at $49 (subject to change) depending on performance time and seating preference and may be purchased in person (no service fees) at the State Theatre Box Office, online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org, by calling 1.800.982.2787 or visiting a Ticketmaster Center. Performance dates are only through this Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre.

Photo: Kaitlyn Davidson and Jeremy Benton from the IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS 2014 National Tour, Photo by Kevin White

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