Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Nov. 26-27, Dec 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 3 p.m. at The Music Box Players (196 Hughes St., Swoyersville). Buffet 90 min. prior to show, dinner/show or show-only tickets available. Info: 570.283.2195, 800.698.PLAY, musicbox.org.
There is just something about those classic holiday stories that really jumpstart the Christmas spirit. Those movies you’ve watched as a kid, grew up with and are now an essential part of your holiday traditions. These are the stories you simply can’t live without each December.
“White Christmas,” the creation of Irving Berlin, is one of those stories that the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without. The only thing that might be better than curling up by the fireplace and watching the movie on your flat screen is getting to experience it live. The Music Box Players in Swoyersville have taken this holiday tradition and made it their own by presenting the tale live on stage, and performances begin this weekend.
First presented last year, “White Christmas” became an instant smash for The Music Box Players. Each performance was a sellout, and this year is expected to be no different as local patrons who missed out last year have already made dozens of reservations.
“We sold out, and we had to turn people away last year,” said director Debbie Zehner. “Call early for tickets because our weekend performances are filling up quickly.”
“White Christmas” is a unique holiday tale in that it has a lighter, softer side. There are no spirits to scare you or a Grinch to steal your presents. It is simply warmhearted and, despite the ups and downs presented throughout, a happy ending is guaranteed.
“We’ve done other Christmas shows, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ but we needed something different. (This) is a good-feeling show, it makes everyone smile,” said Zehner. “It puts you in the Christmas spirit, it tugs at your heart strings. It is such a touching story, and the ending moves me every time when all the soldiers come back 10 years later for their general.”
The Music Box Players recommend the performances for everyone, whether you are well-versed in the classic or if it’s your first time experiencing the show’s magic. Theatergoers can also have dinner, a drink at the bar and the theater welcomes Christmas parties to come to the show together.
“This year we have new faces, new costumes, a professional, full-orchestra sound, and the show has more glitz to it,” Zehner explained. “People will love the show at the end, we have snow on stage. I said I couldn’t do the show unless we had it snow at the end.”
The movie became a hit for a number of reasons, including the dazzling musical numbers and the big stars including Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. These are also the reasons why there isn’t another Christmas movie that is quite like “White Christmas.”
“There is no sad ending with this show,” Zehner began. “It’s all about the music and love and all the army men coming together to help out their general. It’s a story the older crowd loves because it’s been popular since the ’50s, yet the younger crowd knows it, too.”
| Tweet | Follow @wkdr |
|
|
