SUN CITY – Although it is only October, the Theater Company of Sun City is already dreaming of a “White Christmas.”
The company’s upcoming holiday musical, to be performed in November, boasts a cast of more than forty members (the largest yet in Sun City) and a score laden with familiar holiday music. According to co-producer Kathy Rice, “White Christmas” is a musical based on the 1954 film by the same name and features music by Irving Berlin.
The plot, according to actor Jerry Thompson, is one of both comedy and romance.
“It begins with two soldiers entertaining GIs in 1945 in Europe in the army. After the war, the two continue on in the theatrical business and meet two sisters who are also performers,” said Thompson. “One thing leads to another and one couple decides that they’ve got to get the other two together.”
Thompson, who plays the rambunctious role of Phil Davis, considers the musical to be a “happily ever after story” with a bounty of entertaining dance numbers.
“It’s a fun show,” he said.
Part of the fun is the show’s set, which features a barn and other scenes that are cleverly utilized.
According to Jim Rice, the show’s set designer who plays the General, the number of set changes for “White Christmas” is relatively minimal, despite its 17 different scenes.
“This one is a really easy, minimal set. It’s done with just a barn on center stage and two rolling wagons. It’s a lot of hard work, but we have fun doing it,” he said.
Along with set changes, some scenes will feature audience involvement, while others might include wintry special effects.
What else can the audience anticipate?
“The songs are all very familiar,” said Kathy Rice. “People will be singing along.”
Jim agrees.
“It’s a very upbeat and really happy show,” he said, to which Kathy added, “With some really spectacular dancing.”
“White Christmas” will perform November 13 and 14 at 7pm, November 15 at 3pm, and November 16 at 1:30pm in Drendel Ballroom. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
