By Marikita Saure
White Christmas, Nebraska Communities Playhouse, Friday December 6, 2024
NCP has another classic hit in their 2024 season–the nostalgic White Christmas. Whether or not you are familiar with the movie, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get all the delights that this show has to offer. If you haven’t already felt yourself feeling the holiday cheer this season, you will certainly walk away from the theatre feeling merry and bright. White Christmas is packed with catchy songs, incredible dancing, heartwarming plot lines, and is all in all a hit that you won’t want to miss.
The playhouse spared no expense with setting the scene walking into the theatre. The lobby is decorated delightfully with Christmas trees, lights, holiday decor, and plenty of places to get cozy with your loved ones. It certainly contributed to the overall mood and buzz zipping through the crowd before the show began. They also have their well known themed drinks at the bar, which is always a recommendation to visit before, during intermission, and/or after the show!
Without giving too much away, White Christmas follows the story of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they go from their days in the army and become Broadway stars. After a clever angle, Wallace and Davis cross paths with the Haynes Sisters who are up and coming performers themselves. Together, the couples visit the Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont – run by none other than General Wallace–who finds himself in a precarious position not having any snow, which would normally bring in the normal visitors. Together Wallace, Davis, and the Haynes sisters bring a whole production to the Inn in an effort to liven up Pine Tree, but in the process and a little bit of mischief, find themselves falling in love.
If you are already familiar with White Christmas, you are familiar with the jaw dropping choreography – I absolutely need to address the amazing choreography done by Isabelle Betrand for this production. Time and time again the audience’s eyes were sparkling watching the beautiful pictures, clean execution, and boundless talents the cast had to offer in the dancing numbers alone. The ensemble was strong and dedicated to their performance, making what is very obviously challenging choreography seem smooth, enjoyable, and most importantly fun. It is very clear that Bertrand utilized the skill sets of the ensemble well and did not disappoint as each well known number approached.
It goes without saying that the dynamic duo of Hannah Bertrand and Matt Osmotherly, who play Judy Haynes and Phil Davis, are a huge contributor to the magic of the show. You can’t help but smile and be in awe with the seemingly effortless way they both grace the stage as clear standouts in their undeniable skills as dancers. They compliment each other as partners in choreography, scene work, and the blend of their voices in duet, but also as standalone performers. Bertrand portrays Judy as a blonde bombshell so well – sweet, smart, and funny, and determined to get what she wants. Osmotherly is loveable as the charming womanizer who softens in his love for Judy, but also goofy and energetic throughout all his scenes in the show.
The other enchanting duo of the show goes to Jacquelyn VonAschwege and Ben Vandevere, who play Betty Haynes and Bob Wallace. The two contribute well to the enemies to lovers plotline, and easily have you falling for their love story and rooting for them. As a pair you will be wowed by the way their voices blend together – which was proven by the sniffles I would hear throughout the theatre after their duets. VonAschwege displayed her wide range of talents and abilities and had the audience wrapped around her finger. Her portrayal of Betty lends well to the time period, and will have you entranced for every scene she is in. Vandevere is a talented tenor with great comedic timing and apparent ability to warm the hearts of those who watch him. Both actors have voices that will have you melting and begging for more!
The entire cast is absolutely stacked with other performances that I can’t help but to mention. Additional standout performances come from Amanda Stemen, who portrays Martha Watson, Collette Williams as Mickey, Kevin Lanik as Ezekiel, David Dudley as General Waverly, and Edie Ulrich as the lovable Susan Waverly. Stemen is undeniably talented, with the audience jumping onboard with her from her very first scene as the sassy, saucy, and dare I say, “megaphone” concierge. Stemen takes charge of the stage with finesse while also remaining warm and inviting. Williams will have you in stitches with her committed, nerve-stricken, and hilarious portrayal of Mike, the stage manager for Wallace & Davis’ show at the Inn. Lanik absolutely nails Ezekiel–a man of few words, but will have you tempted to incorporate an enthusiastic “Yup!” into your everyday vocabulary. Dudley commands the stage as a General should, but also plays the tough but doting grandfather so well. Ulrich is a firework of energy and talent and has many moments within the show where she absolutely shines.
Credit must be given where credit is due, and I must give a nod to the talents of Soren Hargrove (Costumer) and Michael Trutna (Music Director). The ensemble as a whole looked stunning in their countless costumes (all cast members had at least 3 costumes if not more from what I could tell), and the hard work and thought put into the looks of each character show Hargrove’s great attention to detail. Trutna produced a powerful and gorgeous sound from the ensemble, making each musical number so enjoyable. Last but not least is the feat that both Stuart Richey (Director) and Kaylee Rasmussen (Stage Manager) pulled off with this timeless classic both in direction and execution. A good production team makes a great show, and the hard work done by the entire team definitely pays off.
Talking to Richey (Director) afterwards, he expressed his gratitude for the strong sense of community that NCP has within its board, volunteers, and audience. Richey hopes that audiences also feel that same warmth and togetherness, which is mirrored in theme throughout the production and is so well represented in the enthusiastic response from audience members. Give yourself the gift of seeing this dazzling production with your family and friends – but act quickly – tickets are selling fast! There is no denying that the show will be well loved by all those who see it.
If you go (and you should!): Nebraska Communities Playhouse 217 Locust St, Hickman NE 68372 December 6-8th, 12th-15th at 7:30pm, 2pm Sunday matinees. Tickets can be purchased online at neplayhouse.com, in person, or by calling the box office at (402)792-8882.
Marikita Saure is a passionate supporter and participant of the performing arts, appearing as an actress, artist, and director for shows in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. She is a big animal lover and has two dogs (Saint Bernard and Terrier mix) whom she loves dearly.
As always, if you liked this content and want more, please join our email list and like us on Facebook!