Kelly Felthous as Judy Haynes and Tyler Johnson-Campion as Phil Davis pair well as dancing partners in Marriott Theatre’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” (Photo by Liz Lauren)
Three Stars
“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” an old fashioned song and dance musical, seemed just the right antidote opening night following the more than a month of high pitched and sometimes contentious presidential and legislative campaigns.
Songs such as “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas” lifted the spirits. The costumes designed by Sally Dolembo were integral to the show and beautifully enhanced the spare scenic design.
Perhaps you have seen the 1954 movie with Bing Crosby or the show performed before now but if not you should know that it revolves around the entertainment scene and a post WWII general who now has a Vermont ski vacation. It originally was written for a 1942 film called Holiday Inn.
Tyler Johnson-Campion is outstanding as Phil Davis, the dancing half of a popular song and dance pair with Bob Wallace as the songster. It’s just hard to believe that Johnson-Campion, a very talented actor/dancer from Disneys “Aladdin” is just now making his Marriott Theatre debut.
Kelly Felthous as Judy Haynes is a good romantic dance partner of Phil Davis. She is also have of the Haynes Sisters that also features Jaquelyne Jones as Betty. Felthous has appeared in Marriott’s “Music Man” and GoodmanTheatre in Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Also shout outs to Robin R McGee who as inn keeper Martha Watson, is also making her Marriott debut. and Olivia Grace O’Sullivan, the General’s granddaughter from the International and Marriott’s run of “The sound of Music.” Both actors are really enjoyable mainstays of this show.
Well directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunato, artistic director of Peninsula Players Theatre in Door County Wi, she previously choreographed Marriott’s “Into the Woods.” Music Direction is by Brad Haak. Music and lyrics are by Irving Berlin with book by David Ives and Paul Blake”
On a sad note:This production is dedicated to former Executive Producer Kary M. Walker (1944-2024). I remember him fondly.
Details: “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, IL now through Dec 29, 2024. For tickets and more information visit Marriotttheatre/ irving-berlins-white-christmas
Jodie Jacobs
For more shows visit Theatre In Chicago