Count your blessings: ‘White Christmas’ at Marriott Theatre
The Company. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Last Wednesday evening, it wasn’t the tuneful songbook of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas that consumed this reviewer’s primary thought. Instead, I was reflecting on some lyrics from Evita, one of my top-fives. In the haunting “I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You”, Eva Duarte sings this to Juan Perón, the Argentine general on the cusp of his becoming president: “But when you act, the things you do affect us all.” And he replies to the actress, his future wife: “But when you act, you take us away from the squalor of the real world.”
The day after the polls closed and Donald Trump was declared this nation’s 47th president, the fear of Eva’s lyric and the necessary truth of Juan’s were center stage in Lincolnshire. The need to be temporarily removed from real-world worries—namely, over how our newly elected president might act or the things he might do—was palpable. I can vouch for that feeling in the guy sitting in Section 4, Row E, Seat 3. I suspect many felt the same, regardless of which candidate garnered their vote.
So thanks to all those involved with this splendid production, and in particular, to Marriott’s keeper of the calendar for the foresight in opening the perfect diversionary musical on the evening following a most contentious election.
Fans of the classic Crosby/Kaye/Clooney/Ellen film may want to know if the show supplements or at least holds up to their syrupy memories of its viewings in yuletides past. The answer for this year’s Marriott production: Pure Vermont Maple. Gorgeously directed and stunningly choreographed by Linda Fortunato, the tuneful songbook combines a number of showstoppers with tender ballads to tell the story of a couple of Army guys-turned-showbiz stars spreading just enough hijinks before doing good, falling in love and presumably living happily ever after. It’s just the right amount of schmaltz for a “happy holidays” outing for all ages.
Fortunato’s big cast is a stellar group of talented triple-threats. Led by the sultry-voiced Ben Mayne as Bob Wallace and magnificent hoofer Tyler Johnson-Campion as sidekick Phil Davis, the two summon the spirits of Crosby and Kaye with an ease that will age like fine wine through the run. Their female counterparts, wonderful Kelly Felthous as Judy Haynes and impeccable Jacquelyne Jones as her older sister Betty, might actually be sisters, their onstage chemistry is so dynamic.
Other cast standouts include Rom Barkhordar as loud, commanding ex-General Henry Waverly, and the stellar Robin R. McGee as Waverley’s right hand (and former Broadway legend) Martha Watson. Shout-out, too, to ensemble member Kayla Kennedy who’s simply electric on stage and deserves consideration for future leading roles.
Music and dance highlights abound in this show, including some terrific tap for the Broadway traditionalists. Felthous and Jones don’t disappoint with “Sisters.” McGee steals a moment with, “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.” Johnson-Campion and Felthous magnificently open act two with “I Love a Piano.” Mayne and Jones stun in “Love You Didn’t Do Right by Me/How Deep is Your Ocean.” The large numbers in particular show off the array of gorgeous, colorful costumes by Sally Dolembo and the terrific orchestra conducted by Cameron Tragesser.
But perhaps most of all, the lovely Mayne/Jones duet “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” may be the poignant advice needed for Nov. 6 and beyond:
“If you're worried
And you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep
Counting your blessings.”
White Christmas runs through Dec. 29 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. For tickets or more information, please call (847) 634-0200 or visit marriotttheatre.com.
For more reviews on this or other shows, please visit theatreinchicago.com.