Photos by Dalton Hamilton, and Matthew Schipper.
By Nancy Stetson
If the world’s been getting you down and you’re finding it difficult to get in the holiday mood, here’s your antidote: go see Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of White Christmas in Naples.
You’ll feel so much better.
The musical, which runs through Dec. 21, is Gulfshore Playhouse’s early Christmas present to theater-goers. And like the best gifts, it’s exactly what you wanted and needed, even if you didn’t realize it.
Has the show been around for ages? Yes. Have there been multiple productions in the area over the past years? Yes.
But Gulfshore Playhouse has a way of blowing the cobwebs off of classic musicals and presenting them in a way that feels new. The show’s still comforting and familiar, but paradoxically also fresh.
Director Dann Dunn keeps the pace moving quickly in this story about Bob and Phil, two former Army buddies now in show biz. If you’ve seen the classic movie on which it’s based, you know the plot: Phil falls for Judy, and they want Bob and Betty to pair up too. They all wind up in Vermont, where the sisters are scheduled to perform at an inn. (The inn, coincidentally, is run by the men’s former Army commander.)
But there’s a freak heat wave, and their potential audience flees for snowier climes. This will be a final blow for the inn, already on its last legs. In a true “let’s put on a show” spirit, the guys decide to rehearse and perform in Vermont, with former Army buddies attending in support of “the old man.”
It can be tricky to present a musical like this when the movie is so beloved, but Dunn and this superlative cast of singers/actors/dancers make it their own.
Ben Michael and Chris McNiff make a dashing duo as the song and dance team. McNiff’s Phil is outgoing, chatting up and charming every woman he meets. Michael’s Bob is his opposite: socially awkward and not trusting love to stick around, even if Cupid should shoot his arrow.
The Haynes sisters are appropriately matched to the pair. Betty (Stacie Bono) is sensible and kind-hearted, while her sister Judy (Cassie Austin) likes to have a good time.
Both couples have multiple musical moments together. McNiff and Austin share a romantic dance in Act I with “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” whirling about as if on clouds, while Michael and Bono have duets with “Love and the Weather” and “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.” They trade off songs in Act II, with Bono delivering an impassioned “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me,” while Michael counters with “How Deep Is the Ocean,” a declaration of love.
This production, with a cast of more than two dozen, could never have been performed in Gulfshore Playhouse’s old venue with its small, cramped stage. On the Moran Mainstage, there’s plenty of room for an ensemble of 12 or more dancers.
And the dance numbers are heavenly, each one surpassing the previous. “Blue Skies” is sensuous and smooth, while “I Love a Piano” keeps building in momentum and intensity, like a moving train. (McNiff and Austin tap dance all over the stage, including the piano bench and the top of a grand piano itself, backed by a tap-dancing ensemble that just won’t quit.)
Writing about this musical is akin to reading a book where you want to highlight everything because every sentence is outstanding. Every musical number, large or small, is superlative, and it is impossible to mention them all. But note should be made of “Snow,” set on a train. With its onomatopoeia and swooping harmonies, it’s the aural equivalent of a belled sleighride over dips and hills. (Matthew Michael Janisse adds humor and a golden voice as Mr. Snoring Man.)
Maya J. Christian plays double roles as costume designer/seamstress Tessie and Mrs. Snoring Man, while ensemble members Abby Hesselroth and Kaylee Olson portray Rita and Rhoda respectively, two sassy showgirls who flirt shamelessly with Phil. (They also have an amusing cameo as singing/dancing boxes of laundry detergent.)
Tom Galantich is kindly but stern as General Waverly while Solei Carlotta Bourgeois gives a solid performance as his granddaughter who catches the acting bug. (She alternates the role with Alice DeHaen.) Charis Leos provides humor as a well-intentioned busybody who keeps the inn running. She’s also an incredible belter, and it’s wonderful when she finally lets loose. Colin Bradbury has a small but essential role as Sheldrake, Bob and Phil’s Army pal who’s now a wheeler dealer for the Ed Sullivan Show. Janisse and David Sitler play off of each other with broad humor; Janisse embodies the frenzied panic of a harried stage manager while a laconic Sitler moves with the slowness of Vermont maple syrup in sub-zero weather.
The book, by David Ives and Paul Blake, is based on the 1954 Paramount Pictures film, but adds a couple more tunes. It’s corny in spots and a little hokey, but you don’t mind, because you’re so emotionally invested. You laugh, even though the jokes are silly, and you get a little teary, even when you know the sappy moments are coming.
The production’s a perfect marriage of everyone’s theatrical skills: not just Dunn’s direction and a cast at the top of their game but creative choreography (Sara Brians), set design (Kristen Martino), lighting (Dalton Hamilton), outstanding period costumes (Tracy Christensen) and wigs (Bobbie Zlotnik.)
There are more wig and costume changes in this show than in a Cher concert. Just check out those platinum wigs and the piano motifs in the costumes in “I Love a Piano,” with piano key lapels and epaulets.
And when the Haynes sisters step out for their first number, “Sisters,” it’s as if they’re a Technicolor dream, with lavender gowns and oversized boa fans. The musical’s filled with magical moments like this, one exhilarating number after another.
The real star of the show is Irving Berlin’s iconic songs, performed so well by this generous cast and backed by an orchestra led by conductor Trevor M. Pierce.
I cannot praise this musical enough.
All I can say is, “Go.” You might even want to see it twice. I did.
White Christmas plays through Dec 21 at the Moran Mainstage at Gulfshore Playhouse’s Baker Theatre and Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples. The runtime is two hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. Tickets are $174 to $44 and can be bought by calling (239) 261-7529 or going to gulfshoreplayhouse.com
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