Irving Berlin’s classic musical White Christmas is an unapologetic feast of festive joy and the cast and crew of this latest production at the Sheffield Crucible have produced something magical to melt the coldest of hearts. There can be few stage musicals that invite their audience to sing along to the opening number, but such is the eager anticipation of the crowd that little encouragement is needed.
It’s Christmas Eve 1944 and army pals Bob Wallace (George Blagden), Phil Davies (Stuart Neal) and Sheldrake (Danny Collins) are entertaining the troops of the 151st Division under the the watchful eye of their beloved General Waverly (Ewen Cummins). Jump forward ten years and the duo of Wallace and Davis have hit the big time, now headlining the Ed Sullivan TV show. Bob takes care of the business side of their operation whilst Phil spends most of his time pursuing the ladies and encouraging his best pal to have some fun.
Before heading off to Florida for a Christmas break, Bob and Phil take time to check out a sister act, The Haynes Sisters, who they are eyeing for a future show. Phil is instantly smitten by Judy Haynes (Natasha Mould) and whisks her off to the dance floor, whilst her sister Betty (Grace Mouat) and Bob struggle to enjoy each other’s company. When Phil learns that Betty and Judy are booked for a winter gig in snowy Pinetree Vermont, he secretly switches his and Bob’s tickets to Florida so that they can accompany the girls on their journey North.
Arriving in Pinetree, Bob is unimpressed that he has been duped and plans to get a return train as soon as possible. He his stopped in his tracks however by the appearance of General Waverly who is now the owner of the Columbia Inn, where Betty and Judy are due to perform. Waverly’s business is on its knees however despite the best efforts of his concierge Martha Watson (Sandra Marvin) and the future looks bleak. Bob and Phil quickly hatch a plot to drum up business by putting on a show at the inn starring themselves, Betty, Judy and a host of singers and dancers. Love blossoms between the two couples, yet plans to help out the General are put in jeopardy when the Haynes sisters begin to doubt Bob and Phil’s motives.
Blagden is a likeable and warm Bob Wallace with smooth, effortless vocals that contrast beautifully with those of Mouat’s Betty. In the stunningly set Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me/How Deep Is the Ocean, dressed in an exquisite purple gown, Mouat commands the stage.
Mould and Neal as Judy and Phil are perfectly synchronised during some spectacular dance numbers. Neal is a great comic actor with a physicality and energy reminiscent of Donald O’Connor in Singin’ in the Rain.
Marvin’s powerful vocal belt is used to full force in Let Me Sing and I’m Happy, and beneath Martha’s brash exterior she uncovers a palpable tenderness for Waverly. Cummins’s brusque General reveals his softer side too during the reprise of The Old Man, bringing a tear to the eye of many an audience member.
Supporting cast include the unlikely duo of frantic stage manager Mike (Charlie Booker) and handyman Ezekiel (Craig Armstrong), alongside Waverly’s sweet and sassy granddaughter Susan (Ava Rothwell in this performance).
Alistair David’s choreography is one of the many highlights of the production, which includes the dancing showcase of The Best Things Happen Whilst You’re Dancing, a Fosse-inspired Blue Skies and a breath-taking tap routine for I Love A Piano. Musical Director Alex Parker heads up an accomplished orchestra who are revealed onstage at key moments. A versatile open set with a double revolving stage is used to great effect and 1950s costumes add greatly to the festive feel.
Director Paul Foster has worked wonders with an extremely talented cast who seem to be loving every moment on stage. White Christmas is a glistening triumph that deserves full houses and standing ovations.
