'White Christmas' returns to Boston stage
It's Thanksgiving week, so you know what that means - Christmas time is here.
Overcrowded malls, children lining up to ask Santa for a Nintendo Wii (good luck, Santa), and people debating about the commercialization of the holiday. Should be fun.
But, as always, there's an anchor that reminds people that Christmas is about giving and being kind to one another (it's a crazy notion, but true).
That's the simple message of "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," the reliable and heartwarming musical about two old army buddies turned entertainers who use their talents to help out their old general.
It plays through Dec. 23 at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre in Boston and, like a favorite old sweater, the show is ready to warm audiences with familiar, timeless songs and leave them wistful for a place called "home."
At least, that's how actress Kerry O'Malley feels when she's walking through Downtown Crossing on her way to work.
"The show is really uplifting," says O'Malley. "People leave the theater so happy. It's the music, the show and Berlin, who's one of the greatest American treasures."
O'Malley, a New Hampshire resident, is returning to Boston to reprise her role as Betty Haynes (the "mother hen" sister) in "White Christmas," the stage production based on the 1954 film staring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in the principal roles.
This is the second time the production has been in Boston (it debuted in 2005, and the Wang Center hopes it becomes a traditional holiday show in town).
"There's definitely a homecoming feeling for me with this show," says O'Malley. "The crew is the same, the 24-person orchestra is the same. It's been so reassuring and joyful."
Fans feel the same way about "White Christmas," with many people (including this writer) traditionally sitting down to watch the movie each year. But O'Malley says for people to see this live is a real treat and not without a couple of surprises.
She calls the production an "enhancement" to the memorable (and surprisingly still watch-able) film version and says that more of Berlin's songs have been added to the show, while one number was axed. Don't worry. It wasn't "Sisters."
"So many women come up to me and say they used to sing 'Sisters' all the time," laughs O'Malley, who admits she grew up singing it, too. "It's so funny. It's one of the shortest songs in the show."
What has been omitted is the long, choreographed number in the middle of the film that originally featured Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen doing a long, modern dance-esque number. Trust us, you won't miss it.
In its place will be a number that involves 30 tap dancers performing to Berlin's "I Love a Piano," which has become an audience and cast favorite.
"I still watch that part every night," admits O'Malley. "It's been two years and I still watch it. That's one thing about this show. The other cast members are watching from the wing instead of going back to their dressing rooms. When that happens during a show, you know it's great."
O'Malley's co-star Brian d'Arcy James agrees.
"I'm a sucker for 30 people tap dancing," says James. "You can't go wrong with Berlin songs. He's a uniquely American composer and there's something within people's DNA that, when you hear his songs, it's so satisfying."
James plays Bob Wallace in the production and has the somewhat daunting task of slipping into the iconic Bing Crosby role.
"Bing is probably as married to 'White Christmas' as any artist and song has ever been," says James. "But ultimately, you're renewing the production, giving it a new spin, so all bets are off."
There's one element from the original production that gives the show a timely atmosphere. As fans of the film know, there's a subtle military theme running through the show. It opens during World War II with soldiers in the midst of battle, listening to Crosby crooning "I'm dream-ing…of a whiiiite Christ-mas…"
It's a poignant reminder of our troops currently serving overseas (and probably feeling the same way as Crosby's character) and of the families at home who will be spending yet another holiday without their loved ones.
"I think it's a great element to the show," says James. "It reminds us of who we are and part of what we do. Regardless of what you might think of the politics involved, the show represents our desire to take care of each other."
And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.