Theater of the Stars in Atlanta is producing this new production of the popular title inspired by the movie musical. Scherer (Broadway's By Jeeves and Lovemusik) and Lambert (Off-Broadway's Yank! and Broadway's A Chorus Line) play Bob and Phil, respectively, a showbiz partnership that meets the sister act of Betty (Bodnar, of Broadway's Oklahoma! and Ragtime) and Judy (O'Bryan, who appeared in the Walter Bobbie-directed White Christmas on Broadway). The four work to create a show that honors Bob and Phil's retired commanding officer at the New England inn that he runs.
The show (seen on Broadway for two seasons in 2009 and 2008, but not returning in 2010) features classic Irving Berlin hits such as "Blue Skies," "Sisters," "Happy Holiday," "Count Your Blessings," "I Love a Piano" and the title tune.
The company also includes Broadway's Ruth Williamson as the nosy inn manager Martha; Erick Devine as Gen. Waverly; Tony Lawson as producer Ralph Sheldrake; and 11-year-old actress Mary Peeples as granddaughter Susan Waverly; Don Rey as the neurotic stage manager, Mike Nulty; and James Young as the delightful Ezekiel Foster.
Ensemble members are Adinah Alexander, Andrew Black, Scott Brateng, Melinda Cowan, Con O'Shea-Creal, Brandon Davidson, Jenny Florkowski, Megan Jimenz, Matthew Kirk, Janelle Neal, Amanda Paulson, Ashley Peacock, Kristyn Pope, Kelly Sheehan, Haley Swindal, Merrill West and Richard Riaz Yoder.
The creative team includes director Norb Joerder; choreographer Randy Skinner; scenic designer Anna Louizos; scenic supervisor and adaptor Kenneth Foy; lighting designer Ken Billington; and sound designers Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel. White Christmas features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, with book by David Ives and Paul Blake.
The tour is produced by agreement with R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company. The show will have previews at the Municipal Auditorium in Chattanooga, TN, Oct. 29-30 and then tour to the following cities:
Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA – Nov 2-7
The Peace Center in Greenville, SC – Nov. 9-14
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, CT – Nov. 16-21
Proctor's in Schenectady, NY – Nov. 22-28
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL - Nov. 30-Dec. 5
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC - Dec. 7-12
Broadway In Chicago at the Bank of America Theatre in Chicago, IL – Dec. 15-Jan. 2, 2011
The official tour web site is www.whitechristmasthemusical.com.
For Atlanta ticket information, call (800) 982-2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
