By Kimberly Harper
According to the curtain speech on Wednesday, one of the entire reasons director Amiee Turner wanted to open Ocean State Theatre Company was so that she could one day stage the Irving Berlin classic “White Christmas.” Four years later, OSTC secured the rights, bringing the holiday favorite to the Ocean State on the regional level, and the result is three hours of good old fashioned nostalgia that’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Based on the 1945 film, “White Christmas” starts off in a GI camp overseas towards the end of World War 2, then quickly flashes forward 10 years to follow two army buddies as they make their way in show business. Joel Kipper plays ladies man Phil Davis, who is quick with a flirtatious line and excellent at physical comedy. Nate Suggs, last seen in “Anything Goes” at OSTC, plays Bob Wallace, fellow GI and showman, who is cynical about love and romance. His voice is powerful and his acting is authentic, making him a strong character. The two wind up in Vermont with Judy and Betty Hanes (played by Maria Logan and Stefani Woods, respectively) the nascent sister act looking to make the big time. The four wind up coming together – on stage and off – to help the guys’ former Army General (played very well by Mark Cartier) perk up before Christmas. They’re joined by the vocal powerhouse Susann Fletcher, who plays no-nonsense inn manager Martha Watson. Fletcher has fantastic comedic timing as well which makes her role one of the most memorable.
Together the five scramble to pull General Waverly out of the dumps, work on their own love lives, and put together a Christmas spectacular that is guaranteed to save the Inn. Oh, and it had better snow too. You know it’s all going to come together by Christmas Eve – it just has to – but that just makes the story more heartwarming.
The ensemble fills out the show and provides most of the dance numbers, including an excellent tap number. Some of the choreography in other numbers could have used a bit more polish, but overall, it’s visually enjoyable and just plain fun. And of course, the play is full of memorable songs, including “White Christmas,” “Count Your Blessings” and “Happy Holidays.” At times you’ll be asked to join in the singing, and if that doesn’t put you in the holiday mood, not much will!
“White Christmas” is everything you could possibly want from a mid-century Christmas show, down to the nostalgia and predictable plot. It’s the perfect holiday show for any age, and it’s playing in Warwick through Christmas Eve.
“White Christmas” runs through Dec. 24 at Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets start at $39 and may be obtained by calling (401) 921-6800, or by visiting the box office or www.oceanstatetheatre.org .
