Exclusive! Could Broadway Be On the Horizon for Irving Berlin Extravaganza Holiday Inn?

Based on the 1942 film that starred Bring Crosby and Fred Astaire – and first introduced the song "White Christmas" – the extravagant stage production premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House last fall where it opened to strong reviews, resulting in an extended holiday run. The production was remounted this summer at the massive St. Louis Muny.

Gordon Greenberg (Guys and Dolls, Jacques Brel...), who wrote the new book along with Chad Hodge, directed both productions.

A scene from the Goodspeed production Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Universal Stage Productions, in an arrangement with The Irving Berlin Music Company, has been shepherding the the romantic charmer about a Connecticut farmhouse that gets transformed into a nightspot – but only on holidays.

Universal is currently deciding on the next steps for Holiday Inn, which could include a New York run. Executives were so thrilled with the Muny staging, that it became apparent the show had Broadway potential. There's also been strong national interest in the property at touring venues.

It is expected that the creative team will reconvene to incorporate takeaways from the Goodspeed and Muny stagings into future incarnations.

NBC Universal execs Chris Herzberger, Jimmy Horowitz and Bob Greenblatt are working out details and leading the way on the project.

The hit-filled Berlin score includes such songs as "Easter Parade," "Puttin' On the Ritz," "Blue Skies" and "Happy Holidays." The family-friendly stage production is packed with show-stopping dance numbers choreographed by Denis Jones (Honeymoon in Vegas).