White Christmas — Starring Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Favorite Duo

“White Christmas” is a quintessential holiday show. Whether you have experienced the stage adaptation before, watch the classic 1954 film on repeat every winter or have yet to experience this little slice of 1950s magic, the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is sure to delight. “White Christmas” is a nostalgic, fresh offering to the already robust holiday theater options here in the Twin Cities.

The storyline of “White Christmas” follows two former war buddies and current singing sensations, Bob Wallace (Michael Gruber) and Phil Davis (Tony Vierling), as they follow sisters Betty (Ann Michels) and Judy Haynes (Andrea Mislan) to their upcoming gig at a resort in an unseasonably warm Vermont. When the quartet arrives, they discover that Davis and Wallace’s former general is the owner of the resort. The result is a heart-warming musical comedy that easily resonated in a particular era of post-war America. The show’s themes of love, friendship, sisterhood, gratitude and the holiday spirit are just as resonant now as they were seventy years ago.

One of the strengths of “White Christmas” is its powerful mix-and-match duos. Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are the first duo; sisters Betty and Judy Haynes are the second duo. The third and fourth duos are the romantic pairings of the first two: the infatuation between Phil and Judy making the third and the will-they-won’t-they romance of Bob and Betty making the fourth. It feels appropriate that Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ favorite duo, husbands Michael Gruber and Tony Vierling, are central to this production of “White Christmas.”

Frequent readers of Lavender might remember Michael and Tony from their interview with us last year. The couple frequently perform together, but “White Christmas” is special because their characters are at the center of the production.

“It’s a rare and delightful opportunity to get to play two characters who are best friends,” Gruber says. “[Our characters are] similar to our own personalities and highlight our own individual talents.”

Vierling continues, “Performing with Michael is always such a privilege. We know each other so well, and trust each other so much, that it makes the process that much easier. We are very lucky!”

Everyone shines in this production, starting with the ensemble and moving all the way through the entire cast. Gruber, Vierling, Michels and Mislan make the backbone for the rest of the cast to work off of. Other highlights include Jon Andrew Hegge’s molasses-slow interpretation of Vermonter Ezekiel, Michelle Barber’s charming take on former starlet Martha Wilson and everyone’s favorite Twin Cities’ voice, JoeNathan Thomas, as the General. Of course, 9-year-old Jenalia Valerio and 11-year-old Malee Cenizal, who alternate in the role of Susan Waverly, are also a delight.

From a purely visual point of view, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres pulls out all the stops for this special Christmas show. Costumer Rich Hamson worked with a vibrant palette, bringing whimsical creativity to every character. He crafted sexy, cartoony costumes for the flirtatious showgirls Rhoda (Maureen Sherman-Mendez) and Rita (Renee Guittar) and hit Christmas themes hard in all of the group numbers.

Hamson set the bar high (and then continued to meet it) with the shamrock green and Barbie pink design of “White Christmas,” which features simultaneously hilarious and beautiful Christmas tree poodle skirts. The Haynes sisters were also introduced in their beloved blue dresses and feather fans from the 1954 film, demonstrating Hamson’s ability to pay homage to the source material while also making bold, refreshing choices.

Nayna Ramey’s set design was similarly delightful, constructing minimalist spaces for the Ed Sullivan Show and the train and using more maximalist design to build out the barn and resort where the bulk of the show takes place.

Although this adaptation has some overlap with the movie, there are also differences.

“It is a very smart adaptation,” Gruber says. “It artfully preserves all the classic moments we love from the film but also offers some delightful surprises as well.”

One of the things that separates this production from other holiday staples in the metro area is that “White Christmas” — unsurprisingly for those familiar with the show — incorporates a lot of dance. Choreographer Tamara Kangas Erickson created a visual treat that — though a workout — is just as fun for the cast as it is for the audience.

“I personally love all of the dancing!” Vierling says. “The musical numbers are so much fun and very energetic! It’s good old-fashioned song and dance, very nostalgic!”

“White Christmas,” of course, is known for its titular song (which is presented as a spirited singalong at the end of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ production) but also includes classics like “Sisters” and plenty of beautiful B-sides for the uninitiated.

For Gruber, a show highlight is the sweet ballad about practicing gratitude to combat sleeplessness.

“My favorite moment is the scene where I sing ‘Count Your Blessings’ to Susan Waverly and then with Betty Haynes,” Gruber says. “It is a beautiful bit of storytelling both funny and touching.”

Do yourself a favor and put Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” on your holiday bucket list this year. The costumes, the music and the nostalgia, all centered around one of our favorite duos, make White Christmas a delightful addition to anyone’s holiday season.

“I hope audiences leave feeling full of the Christmas spirit!” Vierling says. “It’s such a classic holiday tradition, we’re so thrilled to be sharing it every night with people.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, ticket sales for “White Christmas” have been incredibly popular. Most November and December performances are fully sold out, though there are some remaining tickets in January. There are other fun seasonal offerings at Chanhassen, though. The Fireside has nine holiday themed concerts running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, including a new concert by Lori Dokken called “Singin’ In The Kitchen” which has three performances on Dec. 10 and 11 including a matinee! For the entire list of holiday events, visit ChanhassenDT.com

501 W. 78th St.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
952-934-1525
www.chanhassendt.com/whitechristmas