Review: WHITE CHRISTMAS, The Mill At Sonning
Jonathan O’Boyle’s lavish production keeps Irving Berlin’s classic merry and bright.
By: Mica Blackwell Dec. 09, 2024
Watching White Christmas over the holiday season is a tradition for many-a household. Warming the iciest of hearts over the last 70 years, it wouldn’t be until the 2000s that the Paramount Pictures classic would be brought to the stage. Seen on Broadway and revived across the US and UK, the musical is now set to charm audiences at The Mill at Sonning.
World War II officers turned performers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis pursue the lovely Haynes sisters, Judy and Betty, who are on their way to perform at the down-on-its-luck Columbia Inn in (the not very snowy) Pine Tree Vermont. Coincidentally owned by their former army general Hank Waverly, Bob and Phil put on a Yuletide extravaganza to help get the inn’s finances on track as romance blossoms, misunderstandings unfold and secrets are revealed.
Director Jonathan O’Boyle trusts that the audience knows White Christmas inside and out, and he delivers that immediately as we’re invited to sing along to the title song. While the occasionally thin story takes a backseat to let Irving Berlin’s seminal tunes (gorgeously brought to life by Jae Alexander’s musical direction in this production) shine, it balances the high drama and romance of its showbiz setting with honest human emotion. Scenes that could veer into saccharine sentimentality are instead given weight and an intimacy only The Mill at Sonning is capable of providing.
In spite of the Mill at Sonning’s small stage, White Christmas’ immaculate production values keep it feeling larger than life. Jason Denvir’s cosy set evokes a rustic cabin that cleverly transforms into train carriages, the Columbia Inn’s reception and barn, and even the Ed O’Sullivan Show’s studio. Natalie Titchener’s sumptuous costumes burst with colour and capture pure 1950’s Old Hollywood glamour. Experimenting with lilacs, golds, blues and pinks, they make the festive reds and greens pop out by the end.
I cannot continue without praising Gary Lloyd’s bombastic choreography. From the romantic ballroom in "Love and the Weather" to the exhilarating act two opener "I Love a Piano", each number fizzes with energy like a bottle of champagne. You can’t help but be mesmerised as the ensemble gets through them with smiles on their faces, seemingly without breaking a sweat.
Brought to life on screen by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, Jason Kajdi and Connor Hughes are a charming duo as Bob and Phil respectively. The former a romantic while the latter more blunt, both have a chemistry and charisma that makes you buy the two as lifelong friends on top of immaculate vocal and dancing skills. Equally as charming are Nic Myers’ (Cabaret) exuberant Judy and Gabriella Williams’ straight-laced Betty, instantly winning the audience over in their debut number Sisters while getting moments to shine with their romantic partners, and especially Williams’ vocally in her stunning solo "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me".
Among the supporting roles Shirley Jameson is a highlight as the inn's concierge Martha, ready with a quip and a delight in her big solo "Let Me Sing and I’m Happy". Mark Curry (Wicked) brings warmth to Hank Waverly while Natasha Cayabyab is a joy as granddaughter Susan. Elliot Allinson also brings plenty of laughs as stressed-out stage manager Mike.
A gem of a show wrapped in a big red bow, White Christmas at The Mill at Sonning brings a dollop of Golden Age glitz and festive joy to the holiday season. With immaculate production value and a talented cast, I dare you to not leave the theatre without warm and fuzzy feelings - and ending the night counting your blessings instead of sheep.
White Christmas runs at the Mill at Sonning until January 25 2025
Photo credits: Pamela Raith
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