Irving Berlin’s ‘Holiday Inn’ @ Theatre Arlington
Photos courtesy of Theatre Arlington, Jacob Oderberg
—Carol M. Rice
One of the holiday season’s most beloved songs is “White Christmas,” especially as sung by crooner Bing Crosby. While he’s also famous for appearing in the 1954 film version of the same name, many people don’t realize that the song “White Christmas” appeared first in the 1942 movie Holiday Inn, also starring Crosby. Many of those who ARE aware fiercely defend Holiday Inn as the better of the two films—but I personally love them both, with White Christmas receiving a slight edge as a movie. But I’ll admit freely that I prefer the stage version of Holiday Inn.
First produced in 2014 and making its appearance on Broadway in 2016, Holiday Inn is a throwback to big Hollywood movie musicals with big tap numbers, dramatic love triangles, and sweeping ballads. The storyline’s a little thin at times, but with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, it’s easy to forgive the book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge, based on the Universal Pictures film.
At Theatre Arlington, director Penn Ayn Maas has brought Holiday Inn to glorious life via an exceptional cast, including a fabulous ensemble. Vonda K. Bowling’s music direction is highlighted by the ensemble’s tight harmonies and the leads’ lovely solos and duets. The show’s sparkling choreography is by Becca Brown—so much great tap dancing in this show! This talented creative team has seamlessly partnered to bring the best out of their performers, and costume designer Karen Potter has made them all look great. The period-appropriate costumes are colorful and extremely well done.
Max J. Swarner plays jilted leading man Jim Hardy with sweet sincerity and a soaring tenor. He really shines in “The Little Things in Life” and, of course, “White Christmas.” Swarner pairs beautifully with Jessica Humphrey as girl-next-door Linda Mason. Her solo “Nothing More to Say” is one of the highlights of Act I. Their excellent chemistry and budding romance are aided by the songs....and Louise, portrayed by Leslie Marie Collins, the resident “handyman,” who also acts as matchmaker whenever she can. Collins has a great singing voice, coupled with excellent comic timing. I imagined an older actress in the role, but she definitely does a nice job with it.
Carlos Strudwick plays the conniving womanizer/dancer Ted Hanover, and dance he does! “You’re Easy to Dance With” gives him the most to work with, including the women of the ensemble: Addisen Bairrington, Kayla Starr Bryan, Donovan Marie Lawson, Sarah Floyd, Hannah Arguelles, and Janina Jaraczewski. What a wonderful number! Bairrington also gets laughs as the “dumb blonde” of the bunch, Daphne.
Kynzi Gumm gets the showiest role as Lila, who latches herself onto whichever man she thinks can make her a STAR. As the group’s manager, Billy Betsill’s physicality and strong accent help him steal every scene he’s in—in a good way. An up-and-coming scene stealer in his own right, Jeffrey Carlton makes the most of his stage time as Charlie Winslow. (Gabriel Leal plays the role in alternating performances.)
Rounding out the talented ensemble are John Michael Haas, Jarrett Self, Wesley Adams, Maxton Rhys Sims, Sean Sicard, and Christopher Nguyen.
Theatre Arlington has knocked it out of the park with Holiday Inn. It’s great to see a vintage musical done well—and doing well. (Tickets to the rest of the run are getting scarce!) If you’re looking for a break from some of the more traditional holiday theatre fare, you can’t go wrong with this show, running almost until Christmas.
WHEN: December 6-22, 2024
WHERE: 305 W. Main St., Arlington, TX
WEB: theatrearlington.org
