‘White Christmas’ at Paper Mill Playhouse is a Holiday Classic

Posted on December 7, 2024 by Karen Nowosad

The time honored classic movie White Christmas comes to life this month at Paper Mill Playhouse. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical is an enjoyable show for the entire family. The production, which is based off of the movie, uses music and lyrics by the great American songwriter Irving Berlin and a book David Ives and Paul Blake. This holiday favorite is a delight to see.

Paper Mill Playhouse’s Producing Artistic Director, Mark S. Hoebee, does a remarkable job directing this show. This 2 1/2 hour musical has a first rate cast who sing and dance and tell a story that is both heartwarming and enjoyable to see. This production features original Broadway choreography from Randy Skinner reproduced by Kristyn Pope. Original scenic design by Anna Louizos is coordinated by and with additional design for the production by Kelly James Tighe.

The beautiful original costume design by Carrie Robbins is coordinated by and with additional design by Antonio Consuegra. Sound design is by Matt Kraus. The hair, wig, and makeup design is by The Wig Associates (Krystal Belleza & Will Vicari). The Music Director is Cynthia Meng.

It Begins on Christmas Eve in 1944

It is always difficult to be away from home for the holiday season but especially when you are at war. The show opens with a troop of service men gather together “somewhere on the Western Front of World War II.” Among them are Bob Wallace (Max Clayton) and Phil Davis (Casey Garvin) who team up to put on a show for their fellow buddies. Clayton and Garvin turn in outstanding performances throughout the entire show. Joining them as the organizer of this World War II show is Ralph Sheldrake played by Reagan Pender who adds good humorous touches throughout the show.

HappyHolidays -Max Clayton (Bob Wallace) and Casey Garvin (Phil Davis) Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel

The show is dedicated to give a farewell to General Henry Waverly (Lance Roberts) before leaving the group. He is a well respected office whom the men look up to. Roberts plays his character as a stern man on the outside but with a heart of concern for his troops. His men respect him greatly as heard in the song “The Old Man.”

This is one of the most poignant scenes in the show as the song “White Christmas” plays. I remember watching the movie with my father. He was stationed in England during World War II. Hearing that title song got him emotional. It reminded him of how it felt to be so far away from home at the holidays. Irving Berlin wrote this song in 1942 during World War II when many people were away from home for the holidays. So there is nostalgia which lives on in this scene of the show.

Ten Years Later – A Lot Goes On

After World War II ends, Wallace and Davis continue their song and dance act and achieve great success. We are treated to a visit to the Ed Sullivan stage where old army buddy Ralph Sheldrake has also achieved success working for the Sullivan show. Wallace and Davis perform “Let Yourself Go” on the show.

“Let Yourself Go” – Casey Garvin (Phil Davis), Max Clayton (Bob Wallace), and the Cast of White Christmas – Photo credit Jeremy Daniel

Later, they meet the Haynes sisters. Judy (Keely Beirne) and Betty (Ashley Blanchet). This sister teams wows Wallace and Davis with their performance of “Sister.” Beirne and Blanchet turn in strong performances throughout the entire show.

“Sisters” Ashley Blanchet (Betty Haynes) and Keely Beirne(Judy Haynes)
Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel

Romantic sparks fly for Betty and Bob. Additionally, Judy and Phil show interest in each other in “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing.” Romance is in the air.

They all end up in Vermont where the sisters will be doing holiday shows. Low and behold, they come to a sweet Vermont inn owned by none other than General Waverly who they have not seen since that Christmas Eve in 1944.

When they find out he owns the inn, they also learn that there is no snow and that business is really bad. They learn all this from Martha who works at the inn. Later, Martha (Stacia Fernandez) gives a knock out rendition of “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”

The Show Within the Show

After learning about the General’s need for business, Wallace and Davis decide to bring the cast of the show they are producing up to stay and rehearse at the inn. This brings the performance of some of the most spectacular songs of the show. “Count Your Blessings and “Blue Skies” close out Act One.

Opening Act Two is “I Love a Piano.” This is a blockbuster moment in the show as the Paper Mill’s large stage is filled with tap dancing and singing.

I Love A Piano – Keely Beirne (Judy Haynes), Casey Garvin (Phil Davis), and the Cast of White Christmas – Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel

A secret plan is hatched to reunite the old army regiment that General Waverly led. The plan involves coming to the inn on Christmas Eve for a show. The hope is enough people will come to fill the inn and make up for cancellations due to the lack of snow.

Unfortunately, there are misunderstandings and the romances suffer. Betty leaves the show and goes solo in New York City. Bob attends her show and her performance of “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” provides one of the most thrilling performances in the show.

The Finale

This is a show that has a happy ending. All misunderstandings are cleared up. Romances are back on. The former army regiment members arrive and fill the inn. All is well.

Final songs include “The Old Man” which is a reprise of the version heard at the 1944 Christmas Eve show. As tribute is paid to General Waverly, he finally feels like things will work out.

The Old Man – Reagan Pender (Ralph Sheldrake), Casey Garvin (Phil Davis), Max Clayton (Bob Wallace), and Lance Roberts (General Henry Waverly) – Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel

The end of the show brings the entire cast onstage to sing “White Christmas” one last time. Be sure to watch as the illusion of snow falling appears.

Finale – The Cast of White Christmas – Photo Credit Jeremy Daniel

Additional Cast Members

In addition to the cast members mentioned above, there others who also deserve a round of applause for their fine performances in this show. They include:

Savannah Austin  and Annie Piper Braverman who share the role of Susan Waverly.

Ensemble members include: Claire Avakian, Lincoln Belford, Allison Blanchard, Lamont Brown, Sabrina Brush, Rhagan Carter, Sydney Chow, Kelly Gleason, Candice Hatakeyama, Drew King, Ryan Lambert, Cory Lingner, Alex Llorca, Carina-Kay Louchiey, Brady Miller, Larkin Reilly, Buzz Roddy, and Grace Marie Rusnica.

Go to See Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical

Performances run now through Sunday, December 29 at Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ. Visit the Paper Mill’s website for show times and ticket purchases.

Accessibility performances are available through the run.

AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES – Scheduled for Sunday, December 22 at 1:30pm and Saturday, December 28 at 1:30pm.


OPEN-CAPTIONED & ASL- INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES – Scheduled for Saturday, December 28 at 1:30pm and Sunday, December 29 at 7:00pm.

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‘Macbeth’ at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ- Perfect for this Time of Year

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Karen Nowosad
Ray Fisher as Macbeth and Aurea Tomeski, Ellie Gossage, & Felix Mayes as the Witches. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

Macbeth – An Overview of a Fabulous Production

Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays. Classified as a tragedy, the play provides a look at the lengths a man goes to in order to obtain and keep power. Power and politics: two things that drive people to do things they might not normally do. Such is the case with the characters and plot of Macbeth. That idea alone would be enough to go to see the play.

However, under the direction of Brian B. Crowe, this productio, now playing on the Main Stage of STNJ in Madison, is a must see during this season of 2024 political goings on. Additionally the play has a flair towards the supernatural and horror effects which makes for good Halloween viewing.

Audiences are treated to special effects which enhance the staging and presentation of the play. Put all of that together along with a strong cast of actors and you have a powerful theatrical production.

The Play Begins as You Enter the Theater

Upon entering the seating area of STNJ’s venue, the stage is set with netted panels and a rich looking display of raised backboards. Thunder and lightning flash and bang as you get to your seat and continues on creating a spooky atmosphere.

Throughout the play, the sound continues with varieties of special effects. Melanie Chen Cole, Sound Designer, provides effects which keeps you on the edge of your seat. At various points in the show, there are drums and dark sounding music.

Andrew Hungerford, Lighting Designer for the show, also helps to create that special feeling of uncertainty. The selection of lighting colors includes orange and hues of blue which radiate the background. When shining on the characters acting on stage, a definite sense of their mission is evident.

The Prophecy of the Three Witches

Excellent use of the three witches throughout the play gives a feeling of the macabre. Played by Ellie Gossage, Felix Mayes, and Aurea Tomeski, the three witches keep an active presence onstage. Their predictions guide the play as they stand at various locations watching what is going on. Their presence is fascinating to watch as we never get to see their faces. But the dark draping of their costumes, and the distortion of the sound of their voices adds a lot to that feeling of dread and horror which hangs over the plot.

As he returns from a battle in Scotland, Macbeth meets these witches in the woods and hears their three prophecies. This moves Macbeth into action as he hears the first prophecy: he will be a Thane.

The Story Moves Forward as the Lust for Power Grows

Ray Fisher as Macbeth. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

Ray Fisher turns in a strong performance as Macbeth. He begin as the victorious general along with Banquo (R. J. Foster) returning home when he meets the three witches. His reaction at hearing their predictions is one of thought and contemplation. But when he gets word that he is now a Thane, he realizes the first prediction has come true. He now begins to think about their second prediction which is that he will be named king.

Playing the role of Lady Macbeth is Erin Partin. Her intense portrayal shows Lady Macbeth move form being a strong woman who wants her husband to become king to the point where she descends into a state of madness. She encourages her husband to kill King Duncan (Earl Baker Jr.) which he does.

Thus begins a series of killings Macbeth does as a mean of holding his power. And as he kills, he steps further into the paranoia of what he is doing. The scenes of the killings are intensely mounted on stage. The sword fights are well choreographed by Doug West and in a few instances, you will hold your breath thinking the fight is getting close.

After Banquo’s death, the appearance of his ghost is startling as the lighting on his face highlights the incandescent glow of his spirit. He appears at a banquet table where only Macbeth can see him bringing him a step deeper into the terror he has created.

The haunting at the end of Act 1 is especially effective and sound distortions to the voices add to the horror.

Erin Partin as Lady Macbeth and Aurea Tomeski, Ellie Gossage, & Felix Mayes as the Witches. Photo by Avery Brunkus.

As Macbeth receives word of his wife’s death, he realizes his end is coming as well. But as he realizes he misinterpreted the witches’ words, he knows that he is doomed to die.

Go to See Macbeth

A hearty round of applause goes out the creatives, cast, crew, and director of Macbeth for producing such an intense play. It is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. However, additional elements of the macabre bring some extra horror to the show. How far will a man go for power and what price does he pay? See this play for some insights on these questions.

Tickets for Macbeth are on sale now through The Shakespeare Theatre website, ShakespeareNJ.org, or by calling the box office at (973) 408-5600.

Performances will run from October 16 through November 17, 2024, at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ.

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Acceptance of Self Guides ‘Sump’n Like Wings’

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Karen Nowosad
Mariah Lee and Richard Lear in a scene from the New York Premiere of SUMP’N LIKE WINGS by Lynn Riggs, directed by Raelle Myrick-Hodges, presented by Mint Theater Company.

Sump’n Like Wings Review

Currently running at Mint Theater Company is the play Sump’n Like Wings by Lynn Riggs. Written in 1925 and published in 1928, its hard to imagine that a play of this caliber is just now having its New York Premiere. But thanks to the dedication of Mint Theater, that Premiere has finally arrived.

Riggs, the author of more than thirty plays, is widely known for his work with Green Grow the Lilacs. That play is the basis for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s landmark musical Oklahoma!

Sump’n Like Wings is also set in Oklahoma, six years after the Indian and Oklahoma Territories combined to become the 46th state in the Union in 1907. This play has some parts of characters from the musical that you will recognize. However, the theme of this play is very different and a bit surprising for this time period.

What Riggs successfully shows is that there are choices one makes in their lives. If held back from going in the direction needed, a person is going to feel restless and incomplete. However, at times, making those choices is difficult because of family, friends, and cultural mores. That need to be true to who and what we really are is essential to having a happy life. Sump’n Like Wings has several characters who are struggling with that need. Some are successful at achieving it and others are not.

Strong Production Elements

Under the direction of Raelle Myrick-Hodges, this play focuses on a woman choosing and deciding how she really wants to live her life. The production combines music, sets appropriate to the time and place, and a cast that comes through with superb performances to realistically show this woman and what she goes though to achieve that sense of self.

The play is delivered in 3 episodes over a two year period. Overall run time is a little over 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission. All moments in the play are well paced and it keeps the show flowing very smoothly.

Life in Claremont, Oklahoma

The play begins with neighbors gathered in the dining room of the town’s local hotel. It is a friendly gathering with the exception of Willie Baker, a high-spritied but confused 16 year old. She has a great deal of disappointment and discouragement about herself and she can’t figure out what to do.

Mariah Lee plays Willie. She does an excellent job throughout the entire play showing the turmoil her character goes through. Her facial expressions demonstrate what she is feeling. Her energy level gives credence to the title as we feel and see a woman who wants to live life on her own terms.

Willie lives at her Uncle Jim’s hotel. Richard Lear plays Uncle Jim Thompson with great warmth and compassion. The concern he shows for Willie as well as others in the show makes him a man that you would want to have by your side.

Willie’s mother, Mrs. Baker, runs the hotel’s dining room and constantly confronts shortages of help. To aid her, she enlists Willie to help her which doesn’t go over well with her. But as you watch this character progress, you can’t help but feel she was a product of her generation. Julia Brothers plays Mrs. Baker superbly as she shows the divide between her and daughter Willie.

Another significant character is Boy Huntington who claims to be in love with Willie. However, he is married and supposedly trying to get out of it. Lukey Klein turns in a very impressive and interesting performance in this role. At first, he appears so sincere, but as the play progresses, one wonders what happened to that sincerity. This is one character who also appears to be trying to find himself. His success is limited.

Willie Tries to Move On

Willie decides to leave her mother and the hotel. She goes off and has a child but we don’t hear who the father is. Eventually she returns home with her baby still wondering where she fits in this life.

Julia Brothers and Mariah Lee in a scene from the New York Premiere of SUMP’N LIKE WINGS by Lynn Riggs, directed by Raelle Myrick-Hodges, presented by Mint Theater Company.

Sadly, the child dies and she finally gets with Boy after he legally ends his marriage. But he leaves her. In what appears to be a brave more, Willie decides not to go back to the hotel and she ends up at a rooming house with a rough and unforgiving atmosphere. Men come after her, and she allows them to come into her room. She feels terrible about it. The look of a woman who is stuck in situation comes to light as she strives to live without allowing these men into her room.

Willie’s mother comes in and tries to get her to come home. Her mother really degrades her and she’s at the point where she can’t handle it or deal with it anymore.

Uncle Jim comes to see her. He wants her to leave the rooming house and come back to her home at the hotel. The kindness that comes from him shows as he starts talking about giving her back her old room. She decides to pack and leave but suddenly something snaps inside of her and she unpacks. She realizes that if she goes back with him, she’s not making progress. Willie tells him she’s got to stay and have her own life.

A Powerful Conclusion to Sump’n Like Wings

Willie demonstrates the strength she has gained as a result of her decision not to go back with Uncle Jim. Realizing she has a right to live her own life, she fortifies the entrance to her room to make it more secure.

But a final, beautiful scene ends the show. Willie comes center stage. A directed light shines down on her and she looks out to the audience. She stands alone on the stage with a power not shown by her before. Without words, she lets the audience know she is going to make a new life for herself and stand on her own. This is a very effective scene in the play.

Leon Pintel and Lukey Klein in a scene from the New York Premiere of SUMP’N LIKE WINGS by Lynn Riggs, directed by Raelle Myrick-Hodges, presented by Mint Theater Company.

Full Cast

The full cast includes:

Julia Brothers, Andrew Gombas,  Traci Hovel, Lukey Klein, Richard Lear, Mariah Lee, Mike Masters, Leon Pintel, Buzz Roddy, Lindsey Steinert, and Joy Avigail Sudduth

Acting by all is impressive. If you enjoy seeing character development through strong acting, then you will enjoy seeing Sump’n Like Wings. Assisted by a well directed production, this play is well worth going to see.

To See Sump’n Like Wings

Tickets for Sump’n Like Wings are available online at Theatre Row Box Office or by phone at 212/714-2442, ext. 45 (daily from 12 Noon to 5PM). Purchases may also be made in person at the Theatre Row Box Office located at 410 West 42nd Street.

Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7PM, with matinees Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2PM. There will be no 7pm performances on 10/11, 10/16, or 10/23. 

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