One of the fun things about reviewing theatre during the holidays is getting to see various productions of the same shows. I love comparing the approaches of different theatre companies and analyzing what they each do to standout. Recently I reviewed White Christmas: The Musical at Heritage Theater (that I loved) and today I’m going to talk about the production at Hopebox, which is also wonderful.

It’s honestly hard for a show at Hopebox to not standout and make an impression. They are an incredible organization that not only have a wonderful mission of supporting families battling cancer but they put on great shows while they are at it! I admire that they nearly always use their mission as a catalyst for greater shows not as an excuse for mediocrity.

The production of White Christmas is mostly a showcase for bright bubbly dance routines. They have a small space but choreographer Canada Johanson packs in as much ballroom and tapdance into the space as possible. The Irving Berlin songs we all love from the movie are catchy and fun with such classics as “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Snow,” and “Blue Skies.”

I saw the Teal cast at Hopebox and it’s super fun they have married in real life couple Dugan and Jessica Brunker playing Bob Wallace and Betty Haynes respectively. This obviously helps with the chemistry but I also enjoyed Bradley Barker as Phil Davis (such smart casting. He has natural Danny Kaye energy) and Elizabeth Fitzgerald as Judy Haynes. When both the women and then the men sing “Sisters” it’s a highlight of the night.

One aspect of White Christmas that makes it great for community theatre is it is a show that uses its ensemble well. Director Karllen Johnson has gotten the most out of her cast and I really enjoyed supporting performances from Drew Saddler playing stressed out manager Mike and Sydney Shaffer and Jennica Johnson as the ditzy Rita and Rhoda respectively.

It is true that the show is a little overlong and particularly the first half drags a bit but that is honestly true for the movie as well (at least they cut out the “Minstrel” number in the movie!) There are also times when the music overwhelms the singers and the sound mix could be better controlled. Hopebox has a section with a pole obstructing views (which we weren’t in) but I was surprised they put a wreath on that pole at one point; thereby, obstructing those patron’s view even more.

All that said, I really enjoyed White Christmas at Hopebox. If you like classic musicals with great dancing, music and romance you can’t go wrong with this show. My friend Emily and I loved it. It is everything you could want in a holiday show and is playing through December 27th. Tickets can be purchased here.

White Christmas has music and lyrics by Irving Berlin with a book by David Ives and Paul Blake based on the classic film from 1954. It first premiered on Broadway in 2008 and then again in 2009.

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