December 15, 2022 –January 1, 2023
42nd Season
147th Production

Music Theater Works in association with Concord Theatricals

KYLE A. DOUGAN
Producing Artistic Director
Presents

Irving Berlin’s
White Christmas

Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film 

Written For the Screen by Norman Krasna, 

Norman Panama, and Melvin Frank

Original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie

Orchestrations by Larry Blank

Vocal and Dance Arrangements by Bruce Pomahac

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (CT).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by CT. 
www.concordtheatricals.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

JOYCE SAXON is the 2022 Music Theater Works Season Sponsor

“Nothing scary or sad, nothing anxiety-provoking or depressing. Only warmth and happiness, like delicious hot chocolate, a big hug and a favorite blanket on a cold winter’s day.” 

This short speech was what I offered to the cast at the first rehearsal, as a high-level “emotional“ description of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS. 

After almost three years of being distressed and distraught, working on this feel-good show is the greatest holiday gift I could ever receive. My hope is that in this theatre, at least for a few hours, we can collectively unplug, relax, take a breath, and smile. 

A few fun facts - the iconic “White Christmas” movie, starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, was released in 1954, but many of the beloved Irving Berlin tunes were written in the 1920’s and 30’s. Think of modern musicals like Mamma Mia! - when they take a bunch of songs and make a show out of them. However, the musical version of the movie (what we are watching today) didn’t premiere until July 17, 2000.

So here we are experiencing a show, parts of which have been in the works for almost 100 years! 

A love story. A story of hope. A story of all that is good in the world. One can’t help but leave the theatre humming "Blue Skies” or ”I Love a Piano”- they are the best!

What a true honor it has been for me to direct this show. This cast is EXCEPTIONAL.  I have been blessed by the creative genius of my colleagues Roger Bingaman (conductor) and Clayton Cross (choreographer) and a technical/design team that rivals any Broadway production. Our production team of lighting, painting, costume, stage managing, and makeup professionals have worked tirelessly to help pull you into this amazing holiday fantasy world. I hope you feel as comfortable and warm as I do when I watch all of these elements come together.

I am grateful that Music Theatre Works continues to thrive and keep these important works visible and accessible to Chicagoland audiences. This company serves a very important role in our artistic community and I am proud to support them and I hope you’ll feel inspired to do the same.

 “….May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.” 

A wonderful holiday season to you all.

Conductor: Roger Bingaman

Reed 1:Cara Strauss

Reed 2: Gail Crosson

Reed 3: Matthew Beck

Reed 4: Sophie Creutz

Trumpet 1: Amy Nelson

Trumpet 2: Gregory Strauss

Horn: Sarah Younker

Trombone 1: Audrey Morrison

Trombone 2: John McAllister

Drums: Debbie Knowles Katz

Percussion: Tina Laughlin

Keyboard 1: Stephen Boyer

Keyboard 2: Justin Kono

Violin: John Ling

Violin: Nina Saito

Viola: Vannia Phillips

Cello: Lewis Ralinson

Bass: Joseph Krzysiak

(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)

* Member of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829