"Hello Playbill Community," says Crago. "Darien Crago here! *salute!* I'm playing Judy Haynes in the John W. Engeman Theater's production of White Christmas this holiday season. Join me as I take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of a day at the Engeman Theater. And don't forget to come see our show, running until Jan. 5. Happy Holidays!"
Welcome to a day with the John W. Engeman's cast of Irving Berlin's White Christmas! We start our day at Penn Station...
Darien Crago
How to get through a full day of rehearsal and an evening show: protein, caffeine and DayQuil.
Darien Crago
Tim, Brad and I strike a pose aboard the LIRR
Darien Crago
Patrick, our train conductor for the day, is making his Playbill debut! Playbill, Patrick. Patrick, Playbill.
Darien Crago
We know how to clear a car... (showtunes and charades!)
Darien Crago
Look at this service! The Engeman 'limo' is here to escort us to the theater!
Darien Crago
Beth, our fantastic House Manager! She also answers to "Superwoman."
Darien Crago
All piled in and ready for a great day!
Darien Crago
We made it! Here we are at the John W. Engeman Theater in beautiful Northport.
Darien Crago
You can catch us here until January 5th! (Also, stop by and see FROSTY... the Engeman Theater is a busy place!)
Darien Crago
...did I mention the FREE valet parking? Seriously.. come see our show.
Darien Crago
Our Stage Manager Michelle Hines and I about to head in through the stage door...
Darien Crago
The information hub! Everything from the sign-in sheet to the occasional laundered-sock-missing-it's-mate is tacked-up here.
Darien Crago
I spy a music director... This is our view of James from the stage!
Darien Crago
Some cast members sitting out in the house before our put-in rehearsal.
Darien Crago
The view from the audience...lookin' good!
Darien Crago
Did you know... that in addition to top-notch entertainment, festive seasonal decor, (and a full bar), there is also live music before the performance? Not to mention cookies afterward. Did you get your tickets yet?
Darien Crago
Laurén, our resident sewing magician, does some last-minute alterations to a costume.
Darien Crago
The "tunnel" is used for extra costume storage... and for playing hide-and-seek.
Darien Crago
Jen helps me find my way to the stage. Phew...thanks, Jen!
Darien Crago
The most popular spot backstage. Coffee and homemade treats are a daily occurrence here!
Darien Crago
Molly had a sweet gift waiting at her station this morning. The cast is playing "Secret Santa" for Christmas!
Darien Crago
"Stage-left-Jeff" and Kennedy Caughell give a smile backstage.
Darien Crago
This afternoon Ben Eakeley is having his put-in rehearsal as our new Bob Wallace before he goes on this evening! Our previous Bob started rehearsals for Bridges Over Madison County. Good luck, Aaron! Your White Christmas family wishes you we
Darien Crago
Ben and the ensemble rehearse the big Act I finale number "Blue Skies."
Darien Crago
The ladies' dressing room is all decorated for Christmas!
Darien Crago
Katie's practicing for her role in <>Irving Berlin's White Christmas 2023. So is Tim.
Darien Crago
The girls sing "Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun."
Darien Crago
Kennedy, Kathryn and I practicing our trio -- one of my favorite numbers in the show!
Darien Crago
The boys are just "testing the fans..."
Darien Crago
Kennedy belts out her crazy-good rendition of "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me."
Darien Crago
"Jeremy, what do you think of our show?"
Darien Crago
Daniel and I being VERY serious backstage. These are the character Martha's glasses--I wear them offstage whenever I get a chance just because I love them so much!
Darien Crago
Haynes sister selfie!
Darien Crago
Drew, Katie and Kathryn (who play the General, Susan and Martha) get some snuggle time between scenes.
Darien Crago
"Jeff, look happy for Playbill!"
Darien Crago
Dinner break! We like to gather in the green room for some food and rest before our evening show.
Darien Crago
Tim, Nikki, Molly, Drew and Lanae enjoying their dinner break! I hope Drew brushes his teeth.
Darien Crago
We're on the marquee! The Main Street is completely lit with Christmas lights at night--it looks beautiful!
Darien Crago
(Insert lisp:) We 'wreath' you a Merry Chrith-math!
Darien Crago
Just a sensible kick-line with the valet boys. Where else can you do this?!
Darien Crago
Final warm-ups backstage before the show!
Darien Crago
I think they're warm. Lanae, Tim, Courtney and Kennedy being goofy (and flexible) before curtain!
Darien Crago
Mark Adam Rampmeyer, our director, joins the cast in welcoming Ben into our White Christmas family. Happy first performance, Ben!
Darien Crago
Last minute hugs and well-wishes before the show! Here we go!!
Darien Crago
Claire and Katie (who share the role of Susan Waverly) have a bracelet business on the side. C&K Bracelets. Order yours today.
Darien Crago
Claire shows off some of her Christmas treats and decorations in her dressing room!
Darien Crago
And now for the "mane" attraction... welcome to the wig room!
Darien Crago
Before: (Robert helps me pin my microphone underneath my wig.)
Darien Crago
After! Judy-fied! It's always a pleasant visit to "Salon de Robert"
Darien Crago
...after! Judy-fied! It's always a pleasant visit to 'Salon de Robert'
Darien Crago
Here comes Act II! The cast is ready for "I Love A Piano!"
Darien Crago
These guys sound amazing!
Darien Crago
Intermission! Stephen Valenti gets ready for his big feature in Act II... (and Katie photo-bombing like a champ.)
Darien Crago
Drew Humphrey and I love pianos. L-O-V-E them. In fact..we may do an entire tap number dedicated to them. We'll see.
Darien Crago
Molly, Courtney and Derek get in one more minute of rest before tap dancing.
Darien Crago
Jen Tully in one of her 25+ different wigs and costumes, looking as cute as ever!
Darien Crago
"Do we have entertainment?!" Yes, we have Kathryn Kendall.
Darien Crago
After the snow storm! The curtain just went down after another WONDERFUL show. Thank you for taking a behind-the-scenes peek with me during our run at the John W. Engeman Theater -- and don't forget to come visit! Merry Christmas!
Darien Crago
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Mark Adam Rampmeyer directs a cast led by Benjamin Eakeley as Bob Wallace, Kennedy Caughell as Betty Haynes, Drew Humphrey as Phil Davis and Darien Crago as Judy Haynes. Kathryn Kendall plays Martha Watson, with Drew Taylor as General Waverly.
Rounding out the company are Nikki Della Penta, Katie Dolce, Tim Fuchs, Eric Greengold, Brad Grimmer, Jeremy Hudson, Claire Levasseur, Courtney Moran, Daniel Plimpton, Lanae Rhodes, Molly Rushing, Derek John Tatum, Jennifer Collester Tully and Stephen Valenti.
Performances continue through Jan. 5, 2014. For a complete show schedule and more information contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport or visit www.EngemanTheater.com.
