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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Holiday Inn Also see Gil's reviews of Million Dollar Quartet and A Grand Night for Singing The musical Holiday Inn is a delightful stage adaptation of the 1942 film of the same name, filled with several classic Irving Berlin songs and plenty of energetic dance numbers. While some of the songs are lesser-known Berlin tunes and the plot is fairly predictable, with a talented cast who sing and dance up a storm and bright creative elements, Hale Centre Theatre's production is a charming crowd-pleaser. The plot follows Jim Hardy, a singer who leaves the hustle of show business behind to live a quieter life on a Connecticut farm. However, when his efforts at farming fail, Jim decides to transform his farmhouse into an entertainment venue that opens only on holidays. With the help of Linda Mason, who is the daughter of the home's former owner and has some experience with performing, Jim's new venture begins to thrive, but not without complications, especially when his old friend Ted Hanover shows up looking for a new dance partner. The plot revolves around Jim and Linda's budding romance and Jim's clashes with Ted, who stole Jim's former fiancée away to perform with him on tour and who, it seems, now has his eye on both Linda and starring in the shows the inn presents. While the stage musical stays true to the general premise of the original, beloved film that starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, there are a few notable differences. The stage adaptation introduces more backstory for Linda and shifts the focus slightly to emphasize her relationship with Jim. Additionally, the musical features a broader selection of Irving Berlin's songs, many of which were not in the movie. While this enriches the overall score, it also highlights a slight imbalance, as some of Berlin's lesser-known songs don't quite live up to the more familiar of his hit tunes, including "White Christmas" and "Heat Wave." Numbers like "Blue Skies" and "Cheek to Cheek" are delightful and instantly recognizable, but others, such as "Marching Along with Time" and "You're Easy to Dance With," while pleasant, don't leave the same lasting impression. As the likable and relatable Jim Hardy, who longs for a quieter life away from the demands of show business, Tyler Brignone oozes warmth and sincerity. Brignone makes Jim's journey from entertainer to farmer-turned-innkeeper believable, his singing voice is bright and strong, and his dance moves are charming. After playing numerous leading ingenues in Hale shows the past two seasons, Brie Wadsworth-Gates shows her maturity and depth as Linda Mason, the girl-next-door with a hidden talent for singing and dancing. Wadsworth-Gates brings grace and a touch of elegance, with a mix of independence and vulnerability, to the part and her singing voice soars with a beautiful clarity. As Ted Hanover, Jim's former showbiz partner, Brandt Norris is charismatic and, appropriately, a somewhat self-centered dancer. Ted is always looking for his next big dance partner, and Norris' slick dance moves and comedic timing bring plenty of energy to the stage; his solo tap number is superb. Christie Dabreau adds a few fun moments as Lila Dixon, Jim's former fiancée, the ambitious showgirl who chooses fame over love, and Rochelle Barton's sharp comic timing adds plenty of laughs to the production as Louise, the inn's handyman who manages to be both a problem solver and a trouble maker when she gets herself involved in the plot shenanigans. In supporting roles, Raymond Barcelo is fun as Danny, the fast-talking, deal-making manager who pushes Jim, Ted, and Lila towards fame, and Benicio 'Beni' Bermudez is a crowd favorite as Charlie Winslow, the precocious local boy who serves as a town messenger; his sharp, mature humor and deadpan delivery make him a scene-stealer. The entire ensemble shine with warm vocals under Cathy Hauan's music direction. The show's high-energy dance numbers are quite impressive. Cambrian James' energetic and varied choreography features lively tap routines and exuberant ballroom dancing which add to the show's charm. Norris' flashy solo numbers, in particular, inject a jolt of excitement, while ensemble pieces like the Fourth of July-themed "Let's Say It with Firecrackers" and "Shaking the Blues Away" bring impressive visual spectacle, with the second number featuring a fun use of a large jump rope. James' direction also ensures the dramatic moments in the show resonate. Brielle Hawkes' period-perfect costumes are gorgeous, McKenna Carpenter's sets are simple but effective, and the lighting by Tim Dietlein creates some lovely stage images. While not every song in Holiday Inn's score matches the enduring appeal of Berlin's most famous tunes, Hale's production is a fun and festive experience, brought to life by a gifted cast who create endearing, colorful and well-developed characters. The charm of the musical lies in its sense of nostalgia and the joy of hearing several Irving Berlin classics, blending romance, comedy, plenty of show-stopping dances, and an abundance of holiday cheer. Holiday Inn runs through November 23, 2024, at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue in Gilbert AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.haletheatrearizona.com or call 480-497-1181 Producers and Casting Directors: David & Corrin Dietlein Cast: |
