Mike Parker: LCC brings ‘White Christmas’ to life on stage
“White Christmas,” one of my favorite holiday movies, was made in 1954. I was around four years old at the time. I am unsure when I first watched the film, but once I viewed it, it became a Christmas staple.
“White Christmas” tells of the exploits of Army veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who became a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. As Wallace and Davis head to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, the vets become enamored with two beautiful singing sisters. That lodge happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander.
With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards, including “Blue Skies” and “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” the movie is uplifting and wholesome, a musical that will delight audiences of all ages.
The film starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. It featured 17 songs by Irving Berlin. The top moneymaker of 1954, “White Christmas” set a new record as Hollywood’s all-time highest-grossing musical.
Now, that story is coming to the stage of the Briley Auditorium at Lenoir Community College. Friday shows on December 1 and 8 will start at 7 p.m. Shows on Saturdays, December 2 and 9, and Sundays on December 3 and 10 will all begin a 2 p.m.
Ticket prices range from Orchestra Seating (ages 4+) for $20.00; Student Standard Seating (ages 4-17; 18+ student ID required) for $10.00; Standard Seating (ages 18+) for $15.00; and Accessible Seating (ages 4+) for $15.00. The show is two hours and 30 minutes long with a 15-minute intermission.
If available, tickets sold at the door will be $5 more than the advertised online price. Doors open one hour before the show. The house opens 30 minutes before the performance. The venue offers accessible parking, is wheelchair accessible, and has wheelchair-accessible seating.
Art Rimbert will play the role of Bob Wallace. You may remember Art from last year’s performance as Bob Cratchit in LCC’s “A Christmas Carol.” He has previously performed in “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Macbeth,” opera choruses, show chorales, and cappella octets.
His counterpart is Adrian Jones as Phil Davis. Adrian is from Wilmington. He is a junior Dance Performance and Choreography major at East Carolina University. His previous theater credits include “Man of La Mancha” (Flamenco Choreographer), “Funny Girl” (tap choreographer), “Newsies” (Specs), and “Footloose” (Jeter). Most recently, he performed in LCC’s “The Little Mermaid.” Adrian is not only excited to be making his lead debut as Phil Davis, but he is also co-choreographing the show.
Bringing to life the Haynes Sisters are Cristle Gaskins as Betty Haynes and Gabby Cruz as Judy Haynes. Cristle is a realtor, wife, and homeschool mom of seven. Her favorite pastimes are designing and staging homes and writing while watching the sun set over the ocean.
Gabby is delighted to play her first leading role in a show. Her love of dance led her to the theater, and she has performed across three counties in the last seven years. This LCC student will finish her degree in December.
Dylan Fisher, who plays General Waverly, is another first-timer to the LCC stage. Dylan brings extensive stage experience to his role. He studied musical theater at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Previous shows include “Oklahoma!” (Jud Fry), “110 in the Shade” (Noah Curry), “Assassins” (Zangara), “The Adding Machine” (Shrdlu) and “As You Like It” (Duke Senior). He teaches music at Northeast Elementary.
Rounding out the cast are Suzi Wagner (Martha Watson); Alyssa Bayless (Rita); Rebekah Lemon (Rhoda); Carson Cade (Susan Waverly); Travis Johnson (Ezekiel Foster); Christian Moore (Mike); Tanner Wilson (Ralph Sheldrake); and Elliott Jones (Jimmy).
If you want to add some spice and sweetness to your holiday season, see LCC’s “White Christmas.”
Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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