Contributed photo
From left: Morgan Sheehan, of New York City, as Betty Haynes; Micheal Keene, of Clarkston, as Bob Wallace; Vittoria Conforti, of Florence, Italy, as Judy Haynes; and Bradley Bliven, of Pittsburg, Mo. as Phil Davis, rehearse a scene for the Regional Theatre of the Palouse's production of "White Christmas."
The holiday spirit arrives early this year in Pullman, with Regional Theatre of the Palouse’s production of “White Christmas,” opening tonight.
“I’m glad for the jump-start, especially given how much conflict and turmoil and unpleasantness is going on in the world,” director Michael Todd said. “Diving into that pure joy and that holiday spirit … is what we need now more than ever.”
And dive in they have.
“We’re hitting the holidays harder than Hallmark,” was an oft-repeated phrase as the cast and crew prepared for opening night, Todd said.
The stage adaptation of the 1954 film debuted on Broadway in 2008 and includes 17 songs by famed composer and lyricist Irving Berlin.
The song “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun” has become a particular favorite, Todd said, with its “beautiful harmonies and a fun message.”
RTOP Theatre’s intimate space, with the audience at stage level, lends the number a cozy feel.
Contributed photo
From left: Victoria Pantagis, of New York City, as Rita; Michael Todd, of Pullman, as Sheldrake; and Pam Veltri, of New York City, as Rhoda, strike a pose during a recent rehearsal.
“I’ve fallen in love with it,” Todd said. “And I know in that space, audiences will just be enchanted.”
The show stars a blend of local, national and international actors, including several from New York City.
Regular theatergoers will recognize Clarkston’s Micheal Keene, who has appeared in previous RTOP and Lewiston Civic Theatre shows, playing Bob Wallace, a role originated in the movie by Bing Crosby.
Morgan Sheehan, of New York City, appears as Betty Haynes, played by Rosemary Clooney in the film.
“I always loved the movie growing up, and Rosemary Clooney is iconic in it,” Sheehan said.
It’s her first time being in Washington and Idaho, and she appreciated the “different pace,” Sheehan said.
“It’s been very nice to kind of get away from the nonstop hustle of the city,” she said of being in Pullman for a roughly six-week stint. “It’s been very refreshing for those of us who have come here from New York.”
Sheehan is taking dance classes and working on smaller projects in New York City while she pursues her dream of appearing on Broadway. She also has a contract coming up in South Korea.
She and the other visiting actors found the Regional Theatre of the Palouse gig on a website that connects performers with opportunities around the country. The opportunity to hone her skills in small-town community theater playing a role she’s long admired has been a welcome interlude, she said.
“I think that what’s so nice about RTOP is everyone involved is just very passionate and very excited to be doing theater, which is such a wonderful thing to come to,” she said. “Everyone here is so lovely and so welcoming and so happy to be doing what they’re doing.”
Contributed photo
Sheehan, left, and Conforti rehearse a scene for the show that Thursday, Oct. 19, in Pullman.
That enthusiasm, together with the much-needed uplifting story, makes this a special production, said Todd, who also has a role in the show.
“I love the show ‘White Christmas’ because it’s so lighthearted and yet romantic and emotional,” he said. “It’s been a dream directing it.”
He expects audiences will appreciate the music and stellar performances by this collection of actors, Todd said. But elements like choreography and set changes are equally as strong.
“I think the audience is going to be really impressed with the stagecraft and the pro duction values of the show,” he said.
Sheehan echoed Todd’s sentiments, emphasizing both the fresh numbers unique to the stage production and the nostalgia that comes with a beloved story.
“This ‘White Christmas,’ it’s everything you think of when you think ‘White Christmas.’ The music and the dancing and the plot — it’s timeless,” she said. “It’s a show for everyone.”
Stone (she/her) can be reached at mstone@inland360.com.
IF YOU GO
What: “White Christmas”
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19-21, 25-28. 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21, 28-29.
Where: RTOP Theatre, 122 N. Grand Ave., Pullman.
Tickets: $28-$30 at Regional Theatre of the Palouse box office, online at rtoptheatre.org or by phone at (509) 334-0750. Group sales of 10 or more tickets may qualify for 10% savings. Student price is $15, with a maximum of two tickets per valid student ID.
