MLOC is dreaming of a White Christmas
8th November 2009
By Suzanne Tate

The vision that is MLOC’s White Christmas had humble beginnings, when Director Judy Sullivan purchased a DVD of the movie for $3 at an Op Shop. Intrigued by the possibility of producing this story on stage, Judy discovered that it was available as a stage production, and encouraged MLOC to obtain the rights.   

Having previously directed 12 shows for MLOC, Judy had strong ties to the company and a team of people she had worked closely with before.  This enabled many hurdles to be overcome more easily than could have been expected. In fact, many of the cast members and production team have worked together previously, although apparently that was not a pre-requisite for ‘clicking’ with this cast, particularly for the four leads. John Davidson, who plays Phil said, “This has been one of the most enjoyable times so far in my amateur theatre experience. The other performers in the lead and supporting roles are sensational and just a delight to work with. The ensemble is great and has really worked well together and supported the leads exceptionally.” Kate Knight, who plays Judy agrees, “The other 3 leads are the most amazing people to work with.  All 3 are very professional, and have a huge amount of experience. I am the baby of the group; having only done 3 other shows.  Rowena and I get along so well, it really was very easy to fit into the roles of sisters.  All 4 of us really just jelled right from the start.” Kate and John worked together recently in Oklahoma, “When I found out that we were to have a stormy romance once again in this production…” said John, “… I was over the moon.” 

White Christmas tells the story of two WWII U.S Army buddies, a popular song and dance team, who join up with two sisters to save their former commanding officer’s Inn in Vermont. Romance and misunderstandings complicate the issue and are grounds for comedic entertainment and beautiful music.  The 1954 movie was written by Irving Berlin, considered by many to be one of the greatest song writers in history. The original movie starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen and Rosemary Clooney. The musical was rewritten in 2004, and contains 7 additional Berlin songs, that did not appear in the movie. Director Judy says “There are several extra songs by Berlin written into the show as some of the original, dated dance routines would not stand the test of time.” 

With such iconic actors playing the lead roles, it is natural that the MLOC cast would be influenced to some degree by the film. But Peter Phillips, who plays Bob, says “I saw the movie many years ago but didn’t want it to influence my performance … I developed my character mainly from the script but have also tried to build the character from how my relationships with the cast have developed during the rehearsal process.” However, Peter admits he couldn’t escape Bing Crosby’s influence entirely. “He certainly shaped how I saw the character”.  John asks, “Who could not be influenced by Danny Kaye? I grew up watching all of his movies when I was a kid, and still watch them now.  I must admit I watched the original movie a few times before my audition, however,  after reading through the script I realised that Phil’s eye wanders to the ladies a little more than the original Danny Kaye version!  I have really tried to build Phil into more of a suave ladies man, however trying to keep the loveable and comic essence that would have made him irresistible in the 50’s! (If only that’s all it would take in 2009!)”. Kate says that the film helped her to see what sort of a lady Judy was; “a little scheming, a little flirty, but very determined to get what she wants in life!  Sounds a little bit like me!” Peter adds that he likes to think he is a lot like his character also – dependable and loyal. “Vocally I'm quite different though.  I have a classical vocal background and Bing is the archetypal crooner.” 

A show like White Christmas naturally makes us think of our own Christmas experiences.  While the stereotypical White Christmas might not be the norm in Australia, the cast do have their own Christmas traditions to reflect on.  John has fond memories of days where snow would be totally out of place. “Sitting around the dinner table on a 40 degree day and my Dad (with his paper crown on his head) insisting that we must have the roast potatoes with our Christmas lunch and my brother and I fighting over the last of the Pork Crackle, then singing our Broadway musical numbers around the piano…”.  Peter remembers decorating the tree with glass ornaments with his mother. “Also, the year my younger sister threw a Mexican themed Christmas especially for my partner, who is Mexican, is a great memory for us.”  Kate was actually lucky enough to experience a true white Christmas. “My girls and I celebrated a white Christmas a couple of years ago, when we decided to take a 'spur of the moment' trip to Paris, London and Austria.  Santa provided the plane tickets (that Myer Santa just HAS to be the real one!!!), and the 3 of us spent 4 weeks touring around Europe, ending up with friends in Austria, making snow men and tobogganing down the slopes! My fondest memories of Christmas always involve my family and friends and singing! I'll usually start putting the Christmas carols on as early as I can get away with, and last year and this year I have been fortunate enough to be a member of the Melbourne Carols by Candlelight choir.  What a fantastic experience that is!!! The energy on that stage on Christmas Eve is incredible!” 

The cast have many fond memories relating to this ‘White Christmas’ together too. John remembers; “The first time Geoff Earle started to work on the harmonies for “White Christmas” the song, just having all of the parts come together and build and build, was just a magical moment.” Several cast members recalled Peter first performance of Sisters as something special, so no doubt the audience are in for a real treat there! Kate has some especially warm memories to take away from this show. “I think one of the best things for me personally was being able to watch my two children, blossom into beautiful performers.  Nikki has fitted right into the adult cast, and Sammi, who is the youngest member of the cast, has a lot of cameo appearances along with two other 'little' girls, and a dance of their own.  They have both brought many a tear to my eye with how proud I am of them, and how far they've come in this show.” 

John tells me that the audience can expect something very special from this show. “As Judy Sullivan says ‘This is one hell of a show’ and she is spot on. It is the first time it will be performed in Victoria and the cast know that it will be a historic moment when we first hit the stage on opening night.  If the audiences think they are going to see the original Bing and Danny movie… well, they are but a whole lot more!” Peter hopes that seeing the show will “add to the audience’s enjoyment of Christmas this year” and Kate’s final words make the show irresistible; “White Christmas is one of those shows that has a bit of everything in it! A little bit of sadness, a bit of love, and a whole pile of laughs.  There's something for everyone, and people will find it hard not to sing along or at least tap their toes to a lot of the songs! Overall, I hope people come to enjoy White Christmas.  We've had a fabulous time creating it.  Judy's vision has helped create a fabulous show.  Merilyn's choreography is some of the best you'll see around, and Geoff's big band numbers are sure to wow our audiences.” 

Come and enjoy a White Christmas with MLOC at Phoenix Theatre in Elwood - there will even be snow!

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