The Gateway Brings Broadway to Bellport with “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”
By Cindi Sansone-Braff
Photos:Jeff Bellante
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If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the one you used to know, The Gateway’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical” is the place to be! Jam-packed with some of the finest “Great White Way” actors and expertly directed by Randy Skinner, the original choreographer for the 2008 Broadway production, this holiday classic brings the magic and wonder of Broadway to Bellport.
With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, this two-act musical is based on the iconic 1954 film of the same name, which starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney.
The sensational score, overflowing with many well-loved standards from Berlin’s songbook, showcases various musical styles, including classic Broadway, swing, jazz, tap, and some of the most breathtaking ballads of all time. Berlin’s beloved hits call for an astute musical director, and Andrew Haile Austin brought his A-game to this production. The icing on this holiday treat is Skinner’s 2009 Tony Award-nominated choreography, featuring tap, ballroom, fan dances, fancy footwork, and sky-high kicks. Under Skinner’s expert supervision, choreographer Mary Giattino, a former Rockette and Broadway veteran, successfully recreated the original Broadway choreography for Gateway’s production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.”
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The musical opens on Christmas Eve, 1944. As World War II rages on the Western Front, two showbiz buddies serving in the U.S. Army entertain war-weary troops with a festive holiday show. Belting out “Happy Holiday” and “White Christmas,” Jeremiah James as Bob Wallace and Jeremy Benton as Phil Davis commanded the stage with their stellar vocals. We’re also introduced to General Henry Waverly, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Galantich.
Flash forward to 1954 with Army veterans Wallace and Davis, now a successful song-and-dance team, following the Haynes sisters, a singing act, to a ski resort in Vermont known as the Columbia Inn, where they’re scheduled to perform a Christmas show. Kelly Sheehan as Judy Haynes and Marie Eife as Betty Haynes were perfectly cast in their respective roles.
When Phil and Bob discover that Henry Waverly, their former General, owns the ski resort and is in financial trouble, they recruit their old army buddy, Ralph Sheldrake, a prominent television executive, to help save the inn. Cullen R. Titmas will play the role of Ralph Sheldrake in future shows; however, Glenn Girón did a fantastic job portraying Sheldrake during Saturday evening’s performance. As Martha Watson, the inn’s wisecracking concierge, Amy Bodnar gave a showstopping performance with her upbeat rendition of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”
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This musical incorporates several “shows within the show.” At Jimmy’s Back Room, Betty ((Marie Eife) and Judy (Kelly Sheehan) perform a fabulous rendition of “Sisters,” complete with a well-choreographed fan dance. One of the show’s highlights was Jeremy Benton and Kelly Sheehan’s tap-dancing extravaganza number “I Love a Piano.” Their sparkly black and white glitter costumes, designed by the talented Carrie Robbins, added a touch of class to the number. I loved the fabulous black evening gown Betty (Sheehan) wore during a heartrending scene at the Regency Room in New York City, where she delivers a sexy, sultry rendition of “Love, You Didn’t Do Right by Me.” In response, Jeremiah James gave a standout performance when he crooned “How Deep is the Ocean.” “Blue Skies,” a big production number, was one of the show’s highlights. Everything from James’s magnificent vocals to the high-voltage choreography and the captivating costumes made this an unforgettable theatrical onstage moment.
Sonnie Betts and Sofia Da Costa-Wilson share the role of Susan Waverly. At Saturday’s opening night performance, Sonnie Betts gave an award-worthy performance as Susan, General Waverly’s precocious granddaughter. Betts has a charismatic stage presence and showcased her strong vocals during her solo, a reprise of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”
Kudos to David L. Arsenault for his innovative set design, which flawlessly shifted from location to location, quickly transforming as needed into various settings such as a train car, the Columbia Inn, a Vermont barn, and The Regency Room.
The multi-talented ensemble includes Brian C Veith, Amy Persons, Glenn Girón, Evan Bertram, Sean Quinn, Daryn Polzin, Chase Fontenot, Maggie Bergman, David Benjamin Perry, Melissa Lynne Jones, Joseph Ryan Harrington, Elizabeth McGuire, Isaiah Mayhew, Keila Sue Wong, Josh McWhortor, and Michelle Lemon.
Treat your friends and family to this festive, feel-good musical, which reminds us to count our blessings! The show runs through December 29, 2024. Contact the Box Office at 631-286-1133 to purchase tickets or visit The Gateway.org.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.