SONORA — Sierra Repertory Theatre is proud to present the eighth production in their 2017 Season. Irving Berlin's White Christmas, plays Nov. 3 to Dec. 17, at the historic Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Park.
Sierra Rep presented White Christmas in 2007 and 2010, previously directed and choreographed by Scott Viets (SRT's Producing Artistic Director). This new production will be directed by SRT favorite, Jerry Lee (Man of La Mancha, The Drowsy Chaperone). The production will be choreographed by Zoe Swenson-Graham (Noises Off!, Cyrano [Fight Choreographer]), with music direction by Mark Siever (Sister Act, The Robber Bridegroom).
Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace (Jordan Cyphert) and Phil Davis (Chaz Feuerstine) have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters (Hannah Zilber and Fiona McIntyre) en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander (Ty Smith). The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas.
"White Christmas is high musical theatre," says director Jerry Lee. "They say that when you're putting on a musical, half the battle is won by having a good cast. I took my time casting this show and, boy, am I glad I did. We have an all-star cast!" In the iconic roles played by Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, and Danny Kaye, SRT is proud to welcome four terrific actors all making their SRT debuts: Jordan Cyphert* as Bob Wallace, Hannah Zilber as Betty Haynes, Chaz Feuerstine* as Phil Davis, and Fiona McIntyre as Judy Haynes. SRT Company Member, Ty Smith, reprises his role as General Waverly. Returning to SRT is yet another audience favorite, Jan Leigh Herndon* (The Drowsy Chaperone, Thoroughly Modern Millie) as the loveably nosy Martha Watson. Paul Henry (Sister Act) and Zack Hasbany (Joseph..., State Fair) return as the nebbish Ralph Sheldrake and overwrought Mike Nulty respectively. Ruby James is sure to delight as Gen. Waverly's precocious granddaughter, Susan. The bevy of Broadway Chorus Kids includes Annali Fuchs-Wackowski, Lucas Michael Chandler, Carolyn Keller, Fiona Mowbray, Justin Goei, Natalie Graham, Jesse Graham, and Kyle Compton. Don Biloti* (A Columbia Christmas Carol) plays Ezekiel Foster, the ultimate taciturn New Englander.
"I think of this show as being a contemporary fairy tale," says Lee. "They live in a world where, on a whim, they can pull a group of Broadway singer-dancers to Vermont to put on a major production in a matter of five days. Or, through a comedy of errors, information is misinterpreted and destroys a fledgling romance. Of course, all is put right and the characters are certain to have a happy ending. Telling and retelling well-loved stories is one of my favorite pastimes. I love the challenge of finding ways to freshen up what we know and explore a story through contemporary eyes."
This new production is sure to dazzle audiences with scenic designs by Josh Roscoe, costumes by Rebecca Meredith, lighting design by Mike Sali, and properties by Matt Sweetland; all resident managers/designers at Sierra Repertory Theatre.
