For those who loved the 1954 musical film starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, it’s sure to be a holiday delight to see “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” during the Tony nominated musical’s Broadway return. This year’s New York City production opened at the Marquis Theatre last night, November 22, directed by Walter Bobbie.
The plot closely follows the film’s plot as two buddies (played by James Clow and Tony Yazbeck), ten years out of the U.S. Army, become a successful dance team, romance two sisters (played by Melissa Errico and Mara Davi), and save a Vermont inn now owned by their commanding general from financial disaster. The production includes 22 of Berlin’s best songs, including “Sisters” and “Counting My Blessings,” as well as the title piece.
Previews for the 2009 staging of “White Christmas” began November 13 in the 1,611-seat Marquis Theatre, which also hosted the show during its 2008 limited engagement. Ticket prices range from $66.50 to $126.50, with paid admission averaging about $70 throughout previews.
“White Christmas” reported a gross of $334,409 for the week ending November 15, and an additional $534,443 for the week ending November 22, according to numbers reported by the Broadway League. However, during is two weeks of previews, the production has only filled the theater to about 60 percent capacity.
The schedule for “White Christmas” in New York varies weekly through its January 3, 2010, end date. This week, evening performances are scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Matinees are scheduled for Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. The show’s run time is two hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission.
The Marquis Theatre is located at 1535 Broadway, between 45th and 46th Streets. Further scheduling and ticketing details are available on the production’s official Web Site.
Opening Night: ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’
| Publication | Critic | Review |
| Variety | David Rooney | “More seasonal confection than full-bodied musical theater, it coasts along on the strength of its melodious numbers and sparkling visuals, which should suffice to keep the tourist trade happy.” |
| New York Times | Neil Genzlinger | “… you’re mostly just waiting for the next song to come along, and more often than not when it does, you’re disappointed.” |
