The show, a stage version of the popular 1954 movie musical, emerged in a 2004 Broadway-style mounting in San Francisco that later blossomed in other major touring houses in 2005 and 2006, with commercial producers attached. The South Carolina production is one of several resident Equity productions emerging in 2006-07 following the publishing/licensing of the musical.
The South Carolina production is directed by Russell Treyz and choreographed by DJ Salisbury.
Performances continue to Dec. 31 at the Elizabeth Wallace Theatre in the Arts Center. Previews began Dec. 6.
White Christmas tells the tale of showmen Bob Wallace (played by Jermemiah James) and Phil Davis (played by Aaron Galligan-Stierle), who, in peacetime, seek to save the Vermont inn of their World War II commander (played by Drew Taylor). Along the way, they fall in love with a sister act, Betty and Judy Haynes (respectively played by Meegan Midkiff and Kimberly Burns).
The company also includes Brian Beach, Shane Hall, Randi Kaye, Laura Leitheiser, Christian Mansfield, George Nieves, Rob Ouellette, Katie Ribis, Tracy Rosten, Keelin Sanz, Sierra Scott, Caroline Stevens, Stephanie Kay Swant, Kyle Szen, Lindsay Tillison, Tommy Vance and Tiffany Wrightson. The creative team includes set designer Bob Phillips, musical director Frederick Willard, costume designer Jennifer P. Correll, lighting designer Terry Cermak, sound designer Anne Davis, stage manager Ginger M. James, assistant stage manager Sarah A. Pantke and associate choreographer George Nieves.
For more information, visit www.artshhi.org.
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The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is a not for profit (501c3) organization producing its own theatre season — five shows a year. The venue also presents musical artists throughout the year, and boasts an art gallery and education programs.
Kathleen P. Bateson is president and CEO of The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
Still to come the Arts Center's 2006-07 theatre season are new resident productions of The Odd Couple, Fiddler on the Roof and A Chorus Line.
The Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables, FL, is currently staging its own White Christmas, as is Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. There are two concurrent commercial Midwest productions under the direction of Water Bobbie at the moment — one in St. Paul and one in Detroit.
