PRESS RELEASE

COASTAL REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS
IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS

Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film

Written For the Screen by Norman Krasna,

Norman Panama and Melvin Frank

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN

BOOK BY DAVID IVES and PAUL BLAKE

Original stage production directed by WALTER BOBBIE

Orchestrations Larry Blank

Vocal and Dance Arrangements Bruce Pomahac

Directed by Nancy Martin and Emily York

Musical Direction by Rick Reynolds

Choreography by Jennifer Tosetti

December 1 - 17, 2023

(Opening Night: December 1)

Coastal Repertory Theatre, 1167 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

WHAT: Experience the heartwarming magic of WHITE CHRISTMAS, a delightful stage adaptation of the beloved film, with music and lyrics by the legendary Irving Berlin.

Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge. Remarkably, the inn is owned by none other than Bob and Phil's former army commander, General Waverly. When the foursome learns that the quaint inn is failing, they decide to create a Yuletide miracle by putting on a fun-filled musical extravaganza that is sure to pack in customers at the lodge. As they hustle to save the day, hearts flutter, sparks fly and merriment unfolds.

With a dazzling musical score that includes timeless classics like “Blue Skies,” “How Deep Is the Ocean”, “Count Your Blessings,” and the iconic title song, WHITE CHRISTMAS promises an unforgettable experience brimming with dance, laughter, and the spirit of joy, kindness and generosity at the forefront of the holiday season.

The stage version of WHITE CHRISTMAS premiered on Broadway in 2008
and was nominated for two Tony Awards.

WHO: Directors Nancy Martin-Kern and Emily York are a mother-daughter team. As longtime members of the local theater scene, Nancy and Emily share a passion for developing talent, stemming from their careers not only as directors but also as educators. White Christmas marks the sixth instance where Nancy and Emily have merged their directorial talents, focusing once again on sculpting intricate, authentic characters that resonate profoundly with audiences. In this rendition of White Christmas, Nancy and Emily aspire to not only capture the joy of Irving Berlin's timeless score through song and dance, but to also shine a spotlight on the profound theme of how supportive relationships can reshape our lives.

CAST:

Bob - William Rhea

Betty - Kathleen Kenealy

Phil - Brandon Savage

Judy - Lindsay Schulz

General Waverly - Matthew Mattei

Martha - Deborah Joves

Susan - Madelyn Simon

Rhoda/Dance Captain - Jessica Nordby

Rita - Gia Mirra

Sheldrake - Alfredo Mendoza

Mike - Greg Lynch