Theater Review: 'Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical" at MTC

Photos courtesy of Alex Mongillo

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

It promises to be a beautiful holiday season at Music Theatre of Connecticut as it presents “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical.” The musical is based upon the Paramount film, marking its 70th anniversary this year, and includes memorable music and lyrics by Berlin and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake.

Kevin Connors directs the production with plenty of insight into the source material. At the age of six, the film “White Christmas” was the first movie that inspired Connors to dream of a life in professional theater, so this production marks a full-circle moment for the seasoned performer. “The story’s heartwarming message at its core is one of love, friendship, kindness, gratitude, and the selflessness of doing a good deed for someone and expecting nothing in return,” he writes. “Adding Irving Berlin’s unforgettable music to the mix makes it the perfect holiday experience.”

Choreography designed by Mallory Davis (in her MTC debut) is stellar and adds so much to the production numbers. Music direction by David Wolfson brings out the beauty of Berlin’s magnificent score for this ultimately charming story. How can one show contain “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Snow,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” and the beloved title song?

Actors Equity is well-represented in the MTC cast and it shows in the performances. Josh Powell shines in the role of Bob Wallace and is wonderfully matched by Derek Luscutoff as his partner Phil Davis. I remembered Powell from his appearances at Seven Angels Theatre in “Grumpy Old Men” and “George and Gracie,” but I never realized the magnificent vocal range that he possesses. Luscutoff is an outstanding dancer in his role. Elissa DeMaria, who has taught at the school at MTC for the past five years, is lovely in the role of Judy Haynes and Elena Ramos Pacullo, a New York-based singer/songwriter, is perfectly cast as her devoted sister Betty Haynes. Dance Captain Quinten Patrick Busey steps up to play the producer Ralph Sheldrake.

Scott Mikita, who was part of “Georgia McBride” and “Ghost” at MTC, has just the right amount of bluster as General Waverly. Ella Cahill steals many of her scenes as the young granddaughter of the general, Susan Waverly. Cahill is a fifth grade student with several credits who studies voice and acting at the school at MTC. Kirsti Carnahan also commanded many of her scenes as she returns to this stage for the sixth time in the role of Martha Watson, the semi-retired performer who runs the inn in Vermont.

Kudos to each of the ensemble members for working nonstop throughout the show and for their inspired (and inspiring) dance skills. They include Courtney Echols and Hillary Ekwall (Rita and Rhoda respectively,) Melissa Goldberg, Rafa Pepen, Connor Russell and Sarah Warrick.

Rex Glover is spot on when he steps up to play the bossy stage manager Mike.

The scenic design by April M. Bartlett brings the door of the barn to the stage, as well as an adjacent outdoor porch, with chairs brought on to suggest other spaces. Mind the warning in Connor’s curtain speech to stay seated in order to avoid crashing into an actor in the aisle. Arielle Silbert is credited as the associate scenic designer and props supervisor.

The costume design by Diane Vanderkroef does not disappoint in any way, filling the stage with color (and plenty of red) and sparkle as a result of a massive amount of costume changes. Don’t miss the keyboard-inspired ensembles for the tapping that opens the second act, and then look forward to the red and white formalwear for the final two scenes, when it does in fact begin to snow. Wig design by Peggi de la Cruz set the hairstyles in the early fifties. Sound design by Jon Damast effectively magnified the singing voices and RJ Romeo lights the intimate stage well, always remembering that patrons are seated on three of its sides.

Performances run through Dec. 22 on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. There will be two Thursday performances at 7pm on December 12 and 19 and a 7pm Sunday performance on Dec. 15. Tickets at musictheatreofct.com/white-christmas

Nancy Sasso Janis is the membership chair of the Connecticut Critics Circle (ctcritics.org.)

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.

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