Review by Terrance McArthur
The 1954 film White Christmas comes to life onstage when the River City Theatre Company presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Reedley Opera House through December 21.
The stage adaptation of the 1954 Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye/Rosemary Clooney/Vera-Ellen vehicle tells of two WWII soldiers-turned-popular-entertainers, Bob Wallace (Josiah Esparza) and Phil Davis (Jacob Alvarado), who follow a sister act, Betty (Beth Applegate) and Judy (Catricia Alvarez) to a failing Vermont inn owned by the men’s old commander, General Waverly (Malcolm Light) during a winter without snow. Bob and Phil bring their supporting singers and dancers to rehearse and try to help the “Old Man.” Will the inn be saved? Will the guys and girls get together? Will there be snow?
Since it’s Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, you know there will be lots of great songs by the composer of “God Bless America.” Most of the songs from the film are in the show.
Esparza steps into the shoes of Bing Crosby, singing heartfelt renditions of “Counting My Blessings” and “White Christmas.” He works well as a team with Alvarado, and as a couple with Applegate. Applegate is willowy and direct as the no-nonsense sister. Her on-spot delivery of the torch song "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me” is a musical and emotional high spot.
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| Cast of RCTC's production of "White Christmas" |
Alvarado is big and jovial as Phil, the role played in the movie by Danny Kaye. Although taller, he ably supports Esparza, and he’s pretty decent on his feet with Alvarez in “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing.” Alvarez is pert and focused, and her “Sisters” song with Applegate captures memories of the charms of Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
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| Betty (Beth Applegate) and Judy (Catricia Alvarez) |
Julie Valdez is brassy, sassy and protective of the general
as the inn manager with a show biz past and an Ethel Merman-size talent, who
hides overdue bills from her boss. Jason Bellefeuille, as the agent for Wallace
and Davis, shmoozes aggressively and causes confusion and conflict with some of
his Broadway-speak that could be misinterpreted. Timothy Whiteman is memorable
as the inn’s laconic handyman, and gets to be comically distracting as the
Snoring Man.
Briana Vasquez directs, and manages to keep the evening, with an intermission, all the music, and scene changes, under the three-hour mark. Jessica Williams’ choreography is simple, yet effective, and vocal coach Monica Petrucci puts together some fine choral numbers.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant, the Opera House stage has been rebuilt, making it more stable. Lighting equipment has been upgraded, and the Green Room for performers has been improved, making the Reedley Opera House able to continue hosting shows and programs of all kinds. The Reedley Opera House is at 1720 10th St., Reedley, CA. For ticket information, check the RCTC website.
If you remember the movie, it’s a happy trip through your memories. If you’ve never seen it, you can discover the wonders of Irving Berlin’s songwriting. Everyone can join in singing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” You’ll enjoy a family-friendly experience.
Check out more local theatre over on Kings River Life in the Arts & Entertainment section.
Terrance V. Mc Arthur is newly retired as a Librarian in Fresno County, California. He is also a storyteller, puppeteer, magician, and maker of pine needle baskets. On top of that he writes stories that range from rhymed children's tales to splatterpunk horror. He's an odd bird, but he's nice to have around.
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