Search - Irving Berlin, Anastasia Barzee, Brian d'Arcy James :: Irving Berlin's White Christmas: The Musical

WONDERFUL! They don't write shows like this anymore

Tony | Colorado | 11/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Using songs from the 1954 film, and a few other gems and even unknown treasures from the Berlin cannon, the show creators have put together a very strong, enjoyable score that out-performs anything offered on Broadway in recent memory. The orchestrations are lush, the cast seems very well suited for the material, and the interpretaion both pays homage to the classic film, and finds new life for itself. All in all-- an EXCELLENT project."

Gives new life to the classic film story...

Ruth Anderson | 11/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas: White Christmas is one of the best musicals ever made - make that one of the best movies ever made. I absolutely adore it. This CD is the soundtrack to the stage version of the film. I so want to see this show. If the music is any indication, the show is an absolute blast. It's chock-full of the classic Irving Berlin songs from the movie, with the addition of other Berlin classics such as "Happy Holiday," "Blue Skies," "How Deep Is the Ocean," and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." The arrangements positively hum with energy - the music has a full, big-band flavor. And the principal vocalists, led by Brian d'Arcy James and Jeffrey Denman, are terrific - they don't try to imitate their filmic predecessors Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. If they had, that would've equaled disaster. What makes this album work is that you are given top-notch Broadway singers performing timeless Berlin tunes with life and energy. They're not trying to present a carbon copy of the film onstage - the show is more of a love letter to the film, if you will. The story's been tweaked, some of the movie's songs eliminated ("Choreography" is no great loss IMO) or rearranged, but the nostalgic heart of the film's story is vibrantly present."

Wonderfully tuneful and vintage feel make this a winner.

Ryff Wolf | Southern CA | 01/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The cast album (the San Francisco production with Karen Morrow added) of the touring production of Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS is delightful from start to finish. Full Broadway-style arrangements and orchestrations of the film tunes supplemented by Berlin catalog songs are razzmatazz vintage 1950s style, which makes this set engaging and spirited. Especially when it's as well sung as this is by Broadway pros young and old - not to denigrate Karen Morrow's age in any way, she's a great addition to this set as the show-biz vet housekeeper. The whole score is full of sparkle and memories, bolstered by some terrific production numbers - first-act finale "Blue Skies" and second-act showstopper "I Love a Piano" are supreme - and new takes on faves "Happy Holidays", "Snow" and "What Can You Do with A General?". Morrow delivers in socko fashion on her solo "Let Me Sing a Happy Song" and provides superb support on the interpolated charm song trio "Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun". Everyone gives themselves to the spirit and style of this songstack, it's a fantastic souvenir of the show and a welcome addition to anyone's original cast album collection. Lots of good feelings all the way round and you'll listen to this one over and over again, whether it's holiday time or not!"