Hillcrest's "White Christmas" Is What You Need To Start the Christmas Season
The best part of attending Hillcrest’s rendition of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas may be singing with the cast at the end. Based on the 1954 movie, starring Bing Crosby, the Hillcrest performance is not only reminiscent of the film but has comedic elements and on-par vocal performances from Hillcrest’s cast that bring the show to an elevated plateau.
Simon Carlson’s velvety voice is a constant thread throughout the musical, gently uniting the story and the production. He and Owen Ewan are the suave and gallant former soldiers turned performers, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, searching for a new act in their New York variety show. The two play on each other flawlessly, teasing out the storyline in unique ways as they croon the Haynes sisters, played by Elizabeth Larson and Gabrielle Cox. The lead quartet is exceptional and the popular songs performed throughout the play are nearly flawless in pitch, tone, and execution.
The famed Sisters rendition is on point, and throughout the performance, various songs are elevated by the talented cast organized by co-directors Jonathan and Nina Clark. Jonathan can be seen throughout the performance leading the live pit orchestra, an incredible treat for this school production that raises the level of the performance to something one would find in a larger city.
The production uses a few fun effects, bringing in much of the cast for a series of scenes. When the cast join in on Snow the audience almost can feel the rush and excitement of the first flakes falling in winter aided by lighting effects. When the cast closes the performance by singing White Christmas snow begins falling on stage. A treat that adds to the unique joy bound in the story.
But this musical needs no special effects. The performances by the cast are next to none. Not only are the leads strong in voice and character, but Ava Renner as Martha Watson may be the casting that steals the show. Her renditions of Let Me Sing and I’m Happy reveal just how deep the talent pool is at Hillcrest to put on a challenging performance like White Christmas in the midst of a busy Hillcrest Comets schedule.
While the vocal casting in the play is astounding, the comedic characters are unique and delightful. Owan Nilsen plays General Thomas Waverly and carries a special strength and presence on the stage that allows Hillcrest-Danielsen student Anna Kristensen to shine as the sweet and innocent Susan. Breiden Stender adds a laugh or two in his portrayal of Ezekiel Foster, the barnhand.
With two performances left this weekend, this is a play many in the community will be sorry to miss it. The play is at 7pm tonight, Saturday, Dec. 3, and 3pm on Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets can be purchased online here>> or at the door before the performance.