The Broadway-style large-cast musical inspired by the 1954 motion picture of the same name was created by Broadway producers and a Broadway creative team; it first surfaced in this new version in San Francisco in 2004 and subsequent sit-downs played Boston, Detroit, Toronto and elsewhere over the years.
Rather than playing a long holiday run in one or two cities this year (as it did in recent years), the show — complete with Tony-nominated choreographer Randy Skinner's vigorous ensemble tap numbers — has now been built to tour. Following a Nov. 1-7 run at the Orpheum in Omaha, NE, White Christmas will play Cincinnati, Philadelphia, East Lansing, St. Louis, Louisville and Kansas City.
No casting has been announced, but Broadway veterans are expected to appear.
The musical comedy "tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain." The score features classic songs by composer-lyricist Irving Berlin, including "Count Your Blessings," "Happy Holiday," "I Love a Piano," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," title song and more.
Here's the 2009 tour schedule: Omaha, NE: Nov. 1-7
Cincinnati, OH: Nov. 10-22
Philadelphia, PA: Nov. 24-Dec. 6
East Lansing, MI: Dec. 8-13
St. Louis, MO: Dec. 15–27
Louisville, KY: Dec. 29, 2009–Jan. 3, 2010
Kansas City, MO: Jan. 5, 2010–Jan. 10, 2010
Tony Award-winning director Bobbie staged the smash revival of Chicago.
Irving Berlin's White Christmas features a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, choreography by Randy Skinner (42nd Street) who was nominated for a Tony Award for this production, set design by Anna Louizos (Avenue Q, Curtains), costumes by Carrie Robbins (A Class Act), lighting design by Ken Billington (The Drowsy Chaperone, Annie), sound design by Acme Sound Partners, orchestrations by Larry Blank, also nominated for a Tony Award for this production, vocal and additional arrangements by Bruce Pomahac, music direction by Rob Berman, and casting by Jay Binder C.S.A.
The show is produced by Kevin McCollum, Paul Blake, The Producing Office, Dan Markely and Sonny Everett in association with Paramount Pictures. The stage production is based on the Paramount Pictures film, written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, and Melvin Frank.
As previously reported, although there has not yet been an official announcement, a Broadway production of the Bobbie-Skinner White Christmas is expected to surface in November, as well. The script and score are also available for licensing; regional theatre versions have surfaced in recent years.
For more information, visit www.whitechristmathemusical.com.
