SOMERS POINT - Gateway Playhouse is brining a favorite holiday classic, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” to life Dec. 13-15 and 20-22 at the theater, 738 Bay Ave.
Based on the famed Hollywood movie musical of the same name, the show is being produced by Drector Chip Garrison and Musical Director Brian Conover and Choreographer Karen Cleighton.
Those familiar with the movie version will notice similarities, such as the primary storyline of two Army buddies, now in showbiz, who meet the Haynes sisters and wind up in Vermont, where they discover that their former World War II general has sunk his pension into the inn where they are staying. However, there are also some differences, namely, the lengthy “Choreography” scene made famous by Danny Kaye in the film is omitted from the stage version, and there are even more Irving Berlin songs from the Great American Songbook that have been added, such as “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and “Blue Skies.”
“’White Christmas’ is a classic – it’s all about nostalgia and having people feel good about the holidays. They didn’t mess with a good recipe for the staged version. It’s just a fun show,” said Garrison, who is a drama teacher at Absegami High School. “Even though it’s set in the post-World War II era, it still resonates with audiences because many had grandparents or other relatives in the war.”
The show stars
• Spencer Lyons as Bob Wallace
• Johnny Keen as Phil Davis
• Allison McGinley as Betty Haynes
• Chloe Verderber as Judy Haynes - she is a math teacher at Galloway Township Middle School, where Conover teaches drama
• Former Broadway actress Karen Sutherland plays Martha Watson, the housekeeper at the inn, who has a larger role in the musical.
“We love working at the Gateway — there is such a wonderful, inviting group of people to work with,” Conover said. “We’ve had such positive feedback about this show already. It’s a classic that everyone loves.”
Performances for Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” are p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22; 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays.
Snacks and beverages (sodas, wine, beer, and cocktails) will be available for purchase in the lobby.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org or by calling the box office at 609-653-0553.
