White Christmas
by Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
White Christmas had 4 performances over 6 years ago (between the 7th of December 2017 and the 9th of December 2017) at Rhoda McGaw Theatre
182nd Production. One of the most famous and well-loved films of all time is brought to the stage, telling a story of love and loyalty through the wonderful music and lyrics of Irving Berlin. A colourful extravaganza of music and dance to chase away the winter blues. The perfect pre-Christmas treat for the whole family. Plot It is Christmas Eve 1944 on the Western Front in WW2. Captain Bob Wallace and Private Phil Davis are entertaining the troupes to keep their spirits up. They are interrupted by General Waverley who pretends to reprimand the men for being frivolous during war time. The action then swiftly moves to 1954 and Wallace and Davis are now stars of stage and screen and performing the same number, on a grander scale, at the famous Ed Sullivan show. After the performance at Ed Sullivan finishes Phil takes Bob to a club in another part of town to see a new act “the Haynes Sisters” as a favour to an old army pal. Here they see Betty and Judy perform and are impressed. They all have a drink together and it turns out that it was Judy that had arranged for Wallace and Davis to see the show, not their brother. Phil and Judy get on well, but it is not quite the same for Bob and Betty, even though there is clearly a spark between them. Phil and Judy hatch a plan to get Bob and Betty together. Bob thinks he is going on a train to Florida when he is really heading for Vermont, where the girls are due to perform for the holidays. People are travelling to Vermont for the snow but as they arrive they discover there is a heatwave. Bob, Phil, Betty & Judy arrive at the Columbia Inn where all the guests are leaving because there is no snow. Coincidentally the Inn is owned by the boys’ old General – Henry Waverly. It is clear the inn is not doing good business and Martha, the concierge is trying to keep things afloat. Bob & Phil are introduced to the General’s granddaughter, Susan, who is staying for the Christmas holidays. Bob, Phil, Judy and Betty decide to help the General out by putting on a big show in the barn to generate some business for the Inn. The next day the chorus kids all start to arrive and rehearsals begin. Susan confides in Bob that she is worried about her grandfather and Bob reassures her. Betty overhears how wonderful Bob is to Susan and they kiss. Bob is keen to get a large audience in to support their show so calls up his old pal Ralph Sheldrake at Ed Sullivan show and they hatch a plot to get the men from the General’s old division to come to the show at the barn. Martha, who has a habit of listening in to the phone conversations, misunderstand the message and thinks that Bob and Ralph want to take over the Inn. Martha tells Betty her fears about Bob. At the same time Betty receives an invitation to play a solo gig at the prestigious Regency Room back in New York. Betty confronts Bob about his plan to take over but the misunderstanding continues and Betty vows to take the Regency job. Meanwhile Judy gets feed up with Phil flirting with the chorus girls and General Waverly finds all the unpaid bills for the Inn that Martha has been hiding from him. The act ends with a big number from the Barn show.
Act Two begins with another big tap number from the Barn show. Martha explains to the General that she was trying to help him with the bills, Betty packs for New York and Judy is fed up with Phil not committing to a relationship. Martha, Judy & Betty get together to try and understand the men in their lives. Back in rehearsals the Haynes girls are nowhere to be seen so Phil and Bob perform their sisters number themselves! Eventually Bob discovers that Betty has left for New York and goes after her. He sees her perform at the Regency Room and tries to make her understand he is an honourable man. When she meets Ralph, and realises he is not a business man she starts to piece the puzzle together and realises that Bob is telling her the truth. Bob appears on the Ed Sullivan show to get the men of General Waverly’s division to come to Vermont for the show. Back at the Inn rehearsals continue and Susan performs to try and win a part in the show. As show time arrives Betty returns from New York and apologises to Bob for misjudging him they express their love for each other and embrace. The General arrives at the show and is moved by the fact his old division have all arrived to support him. The all join is rendition of White Christmas.
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Bob Wallace - Nick LundA major singing star, Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and Davis. He wears his fame with ease and is a born leader, but has some trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for true love. And finds it. We a looking for a great singer for this role. Baritone with a crooning style. (NB will have to move but can surround with dancing girls so please don’t let this put you off auditioning!) Songs: Happy Holiday, Let Yourself Go, Love and the Weather, Snow, What Can You Do With A General?, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, Blue Skies, Sisters (reprise), Love You Didn’t do Right by Me/ How Deep is the Ocean, The Old Man, How Deep is the Ocean (reprise), The Old Man (reprise), White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Phil Davis - Josh CoombesThe fun-loving, go-getting song and dance partner of the Wallace and Davis team. An irrepressible clown, operator and incorrigible ladies’ man who is determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and outright deception. He has boyish charm and sex appeal. Ideally a song and dance man (who can tap) he is supposed to be the dancer of the pair! We can get by as long as he has the comic timing and a bari-tenor voice. Songs: Happy Holiday, Let Yourself Go, The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing, Snow, What Can You Do With A General?, I Love a Piano, Sisters (reprise), The Old Man (reprise), White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Betty Haynes - Louise DangelThe sensible, responsible half of the up-coming song and dance team, The Haynes Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. A woman of decent, upstanding principles, she is devoted to her younger sister. Like Bob, she is yearning for true love under a protective shell. A female singer of quiet beauty and charm with a rich chest mix sound and a soprano extension. Must move well. Songs: Love and the Weather, Sisters, Snow, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, Falling Out of Love Can be Fun, Love You Didn’t do Right by Me/ How Deep is the Ocean, How Deep is the Ocean (reprise), White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Judy Haynes - Annie Rose ChapmanThe younger, more ambitious, slightly scheming Haynes sister. While wholesome and adorable, she is sexy and flirty – a winning charmer no man can resist. Ideally a song and dance lady (who can tap) she is supposed to the dancer of the pair! Again, we can get by as long as good mover with a strong vocal. Songs: Sisters, The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing, Snow, I Love a Piano, Falling Out of Love Can be Fun, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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General Henry Waverly - Wally WaltersA retired US Army General, adjusting to civilian life in post WW2 America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm compassionate man in need of family and love. Only one singling line. Songs: White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Martha Watson - Emma ThompsonOnce a Broadway star, now the general housekeeper of at the Inn, Martha has a very dry wit and wisecracking sense of humour. Big hearted but completely unsentimental, she runs the General’s life despite his protestations. She is an irrepressible meddler, but always for what she believes to the other persons best interests. A winning, appealing character-comedienne with a belt voice. Songs: What Can You Do With A General?, Let Me Sing And I’m Happy, Falling Out of Love Can be Fun, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Susan Waverly and Best Things Quintet - Jenny PowellThe General’s granddaughter. Susan is lovable and outgoing. She is very smart and wise beyond her years and cares deeply about her grandfather. She must have an excellent belt voice and be able to move well. Songs: Let Me Sing And I’m Happy (reprise), White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Ralph Sheldrake - Paul FosterArmy buddy of Bob and Phil’s. now a major Tv executive with the Ed Sullivan show. Fast-talking New York Professional. A Baritone. Songs: Happy Holiday, The Old Man (reprise), White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Ezekiel Foster - Graham BotterillThe ultimate taciturn New Englander, who helps at the inn and takes life at a very slow pace. (Can be double cast with the role of snoring man) Songs: White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Mike Nulty and Best Things Quintet - Mark HumbleBob and Phil’s stage manager. Tends to be a bit over-dramatic and completely hysterical, but he will get things done. Never seen without a whistle and a clipboard, which he uses to attempt to keep everyone in order. Songs: Snow, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Tessie, Mrs Snoring Man, Seamstress and Ensemble - Faith PowellEnsemble Roles. Bob and Phil’s extremely competent assistant. Songs: Snow, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Jimmy, Ed Sullivan Announcer and Regency Room Announcer - Graham CollierEnsemble Role. The proprietor of “Jimmy’s Back room” a none to classy nightclub. Off Stage Voice (Regency Room Announcer) Songs: Snow, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Snoring Man, Best Things Quintet and Scooter (the Pianist) - Ian ThomasEnsemble Role. Solo singing lines in Snow Songs: Snow, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Passenger 4, Assistant Seamstress and Chorus - Anna FosterEnsemble Role. Songs: Snow, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Dancer - Gemma MurphyStrong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Train Conductor, Dance Captain, Best Things Quintet and Blindfolded Chorus Boy - Tony FrierEnsemble Role Songs: Snow, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Passenger 3 and Chorus - Sarah SlaterEnsemble Role. Songs: Snow, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Dancer - Rachel PriceStrong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Dancer - Beth CoombesStrong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Dancer - Karen Regent |
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Female Dancer and Dancer - Vicki ThomasStrong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Rhoda, Second Chorus Girl, Best Things Quintet and Dancer - Megan BeardRita and Rhoda Bob and Phil’s chorus girls, they are brash, sexy and fun, although perhaps not the smartest. Dress as Oxydol Detergent boxes. A few lines each Strong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Speaking Dancer and Dancer - Melanie SilkStrong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Dancer - Anderley WaltonStrong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Cigarette Girl, Sheldrake's Secretary and Dancer - Louise EllikerA few lines Strong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Dancer - Nicola IveyStrong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Rita, Blindfolded Chorus Girl and Dancer - Danni RobertsRita and Rhoda Bob and Phil’s chorus girls, they are brash, sexy and fun, although perhaps not the smartest. Dress as Oxydol Detergent boxes. A few lines each Strong dancers include jazz and tap. They are integral to the success of the musical with some big chorus numbers Songs/Dances: Let Yourself Go, Snow, Blue Skies, I love a Piano, The Old Man, White Christmas, I’ve Got my Love to Keep Me Warm |
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Ensemble - Nicola Anderson |
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Director - Carolyn Floyd |
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Stage Manager and Set Realisation - Simon Waller |
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Choreographer - Gemma Murphy |
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Set Design and Construction - John Godliman |
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Set Realisation - Malcolm Ling |
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Set Realisation - Bill Payne |
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Set Realisation and Poster/Programme design - Anne Nunn |
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Set Realisation and Properties - Clare Pinnock |
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Set Realisation - Linda Russell |
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Set Realisation - Jackie Stone |
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Set Realisation - Liz Thomas |
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Set Realisation - Ian Thomas |
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Lighting - Chris Elcocks (MC Production Group) |
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Sound - Jonathan Miller |
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Wardrobe - Judith Dolley |
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Wardrobe - Anna Foster |
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Wardrobe - Sarah Slater |
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Publicity - Nick Lund |
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Publicity - Frankie Godliman |
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Photography - Alan Bostock (www.photoeyes.biz) |
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RDG Box Office - Leah Ayers |
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Musical Director and Banjo - Chris Winslet |
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Piano - David Darby |
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Keyboards - Terry Hogan |
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Bass - Diane McGuire |
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Drums - Mark Wills |
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Trumpet - Kevin Edwards |
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Trombone - Robin Upcott |
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Reeds and Woodwinds - Anthony Ridley |
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Reeds and Woodwinds - Ria Senanayake |
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Trumpet - Paul Harris |
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Trombone - Will Hann |