If you haven’t been able to catch the Iron Door Arts and Theater’s production of “White Christmas,” you still have a few days to do so.  The stage musical is based on the 1954 film directed by Michael Curtiz (of Casablanca fame), and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen.  The film was suggested by Irving Berlin as one inspired by the song “White Christmas,” originally from the film Holiday Inn.

Like all romantic comedy musicals of the era, it features a couple who initially can’t stand each other (played with aplomb by Jes Schow and Aubree Palmer) despite the best efforts of their friends and fellow couple (played by Jens Huckaby and Makiya Shulz).  The leads did a great job with both the acting and vocal demands of the parts, which are necessary to anchor most of the play’s scenes with a believable emotional and aesthetic presence. 

Ultimately, of course, the leads realize they are made for each other and end the show literally in each other’s arms.  Along the way, they come together to “save the inn” (or orphanage, or youth center, or ball field, etc…another reliable romantic comedy plot element!) run by General Waverley (Josh Pickett), and his concierge (Maren Sperry) by calling in support from the Ed Sullivan show, and the 150th infantry itself.  

Paige Wilson gave an exuberant turn as granddaughter Susan Waverly, who was one of many players adding a light comic tone to the proceedings.  Jayson Spencer played the taciturn Ezekiel Foster (who “came with the barn”); McKenzie Leckie, Aubrey Corbett, and Tatum Hess played a trio of showgirl naifs that added to the general chaos; and the part of Mike Nulty was played as a version of Edith Head by Joe Willie in a performance that is probably clearer seen than explained.

Rounding out the topline cast were Hayes Teeples as Ralph and Mr. Snoring Man, Nolan Briscoe as Ed Sullivan’s announcer and TV Announcer, Myriam Teeples as Mrs. Snoring Man, Abbie Cox as Sheldrake’s secretary and Cigarette Girl.

The Ensemble cast included Jade Charles, Bentley Teeples, Charolette Teeples, Audrey Moss, London Hess, Trinity Christophersen, Aspen Allen, Kayla Wilson, Alexa Cram, and Saigelynn Cox.

Lights, sound, and backstage work was done by Ada Campbell, Mordecai Charles, Jeff Richins, Ella Sperry, Kyson Price, Oaklie Gledhill, Elyzabeth Teeples, and Paisley Smith.

The play was directed by David Teeples and Chalae Teeples, and crewed by Lacey Jo Clark, Becky Cox, Amy Giles, Travis Huckaby, Kellianne Huckaby, Ashley Price, and Shannon Worrell.

While the choreography was not specifically listed in the program, it should be said that it was very well done throughout, and did a good job of capturing the dynamic visual nature of a stage musical.

This is the sixth youth production directed by the Teeples, who said “we want to thank our youth who put in the seemingly endless hours to enrich us all with beautiful art and culture.  We love you so much!  You are why we do what we do.”

As the first major dramatic production of the newly combined Iron Door Arts and Theater group, it was certainly an auspicious outing!