STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes of WHITE CHRISTMAS at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Professional Company debuts in time for the holidays with "White Christmas", continuing today, December 7, and the 8th, 13th and 14th. Back by popular demand, "White Christmas" features some of the area's most talented professionals under the direction of Gavan Pamer. Click below to go behind the scenes with the cast and creative team!

Many of the Center's past favorites actors return for "White Christmas," including Broadway veteran Lenora Nemetz who plays Martha Watson, alongside many fresh new faces. Joel Chambers of Pittsburgh said, "I'm excited to perform at the Center for the first time." Chambers will play the Sheriff and join the ensemble. "The aspect of the show I'm most looking forward to is being a part of all the big, show-stopping dance numbers and performing in such a beautiful venue," said Chambers.

In addition to their talent, the entire cast shares one important quality-holiday enthusiasm. Ensemble member Marlaina Wilamowski of McKees Rocks said, "Christmastime is my favorite, so performing in a holiday-themed musical at a venue that is so close to my heart is like a dream! I am thrilled to return and showcase what I was taught." Wilamowski returns as a graduate of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and alumni of the former Tri-State Musical program. "Audiences can certainly expect a wonderfully thrilling show with brilliant music and dancing from an incredibly talented cast," she said.

Pittsburgh-based actress Angela Bloomquist, who plays Judy Haynes, said, "I am most looking forward to being a part of the magic of musical theatre, especially around the holidays. It is the people you work with in the theatre that make all the difference between a work that is passable and something magical. The people at the Center are consummate professionals who never forget about the joy we all experience when creating or observing art. That is what is magical to me, the utter joy I experience in the making of a show, because of the people with whom I am performing. I can't wait to share the stage with my old friends, and produce something fun and magical for thousands of people to enjoy."

John Burja of Rochester performed each year with Liberty Theatre's "A Christmas Story" and said, "Although I loved performing in that show, it's always nice to explore new things. I think the change of show is a good thing and audiences will react positively to 'White Christmas.'" Burja, who plays Ralph Sheldrake, said, "I'm always thankful to return to the Center to perform. I think the quality of the productions here are just as good, if not better than, those in the 'big city,' which is why I believe audiences return as well. They can see great performances with beautiful sets and costumes all in their own backyard, so to speak."

Based on the classic movie, "White Christmas" follows a duo of performing sisters and a pair of ex-servicemen to a Vermont lodge during an unseasonably warm December. When the veterans find the innkeeper to be their old commander, they enlist the sisters in putting together a variety show that will benefit the struggling business. The show stars Bloomquist, Pamer (Phil Davis), Tom Schaller (Bob Wallace) and Sharon Schaller (Betty Haynes) of Beaver. This Tony-nominated Irving Berlin musical includes feel-good standards like "Blue Skies," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," and the beloved title song, "White Christmas."

The cast also includes Tom Bickert, Ellwood City; Joel Chambers, Pittsburgh; J. P. Coletta, Coraopolis; Beth Conley, Kettering, OH; Brian Corey, Pittsburgh; Zachary Cossman, Fairfield, OH; Alessandro DiBello, Pittsburgh; Annette Elphinstone, Freedom; Caleb Grochalski, Evans City; Eva Hendricks, Pittsburgh; Edward Howarth, Baden; Juliana Jurenas, Pittsburgh; Areo Keller, Mars; Bethany Menjivar, Ambridge; Angelina Patarini, Pittsburgh; Gary Patterson, Monaca; Cyndi Plyler, Ellwood City; Jimmy Schrecengost, Beaver; Krista Shovlin, Beaver; Mark Tinkey, Evans City; Cassie Utt, Salem, OH; and Jennifer Verba, Industry.

Tickets are on sale now for as low as $15, and can be purchased online at www.lppacenter.org. People may order tickets by calling the box office at (724) 576-4644 or (888) 731-0003, and choosing option 2 during the normal business hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets are also available at the box office in Midland during normal business hours. Performances begin in the Mainstage Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The Center Professional Company previously performed as Liberty Theatre.

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