CRUCIBLE, SHEFFIELD – UNTIL 13 JANUARY 2024
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
5*****
White Christmas is based on the well known film featuring the songs by Irving Berlin.
The musical tells the story of when two veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song and dance act after the War. Phil tries to set Bob up with Betty who is part of the Haynes Sisters act with Judy. They follow the sisters to Vermont Lodge where they are to perform a Christmas Show. Once they arrive at the lodge they are met with their former commander, General Waverley who is the lodge owner.
Having never seen the film myself I had nothing to compare this musical to, however, this is the all-time favourite film for my friend who wondered how the film could be brought to the stage but commented on how true to the film it was.
In this performance Susan, the commander’s granddaughter was played by Ava Rothewell and I have to say that she was amazing, at just 10 years of age I feel she has a bright future ahead of her.
George Blagden (Bob) and Stuart Neal (Phil) played their parts brilliantly and were a great duo.
The Haynes sisters were played by Grace Mouat as Betty and Natasha Mould as Judy. Their vocals were great especially singing “sisters”. Martha – Sandra Marvin equally gave a brilliant vocal performance.
The show is all brought together by a large ensemble cast whose dance routines were spot on and all in sync. The tap dancing was out of this world.
The actors are all involved in moving the props and do this with ease. The rotating stage gives it an added dimension and I loved the way they converted the stage to the barn.
The final scene was so magical, the Christmas tree coming up in the middle of the stage and the snow falling. It certainly gets you into the Christmas spirit. An excellent performance by everyone involved.