When I was a kid holiday movies played once a year right in your living room, they weren’t rented, bought for home watching, or on YouTube. You watched them with your family, the big, old-fashioned multi-color lights on the Christmas tree and the tinsel sparkling in the light … it was a magical time. “White Christmas” was one of those annual airings we never missed. And that’s how I feel about Maine State Music Theater’s current production of “White Christmas”: It should not be missed. It is pure holiday magic … in July. And the performances, choreography (lots of tap dancing!), costumes and sets are just what we all need now … I sat in Pickard Theater on opening night with a smile on my face most of the evening. It was the perfect escape. When I was an actor, I always referred to the experience of each show, each character as my “departure from reality;” and although I haven’t been on stage since 2014 or thereabouts, I know a fine departure from reality when I experience one.  

On opening night there were two standing ovations after the performances of “Blue Skies” and “I Love A Piano.” I’m re-experiencing the chills I had then just writing about it now. And, “I Love A Piano” … well, here come those chills again ... “Blue Skies” is the number right before intermission that left you breathless and happy! We, the audience, leapt to our feet in thunderous applause. Nights this happens at a show ... well, it’s a mighty powerful shared experience! And we could tell the cast was as blown away by our reaction as we were by their performances. Director/choreographer Marc Robin: Your superb cast has gifted audiences with a truly memorable experience.

For those of you out there who never watched “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen in the lead roles, here’s the plot in a holiday chestnut: It opens on Christmas Eve 1944. Soldiers Will Ray and Phil Davis (actors Bob Wallace and Daniel Plimpton, respectively) are in the midst of a soldier’s show for the 151st division. After World War II ends, they step out of their uniforms and into street clothes continuing as a performing duo. They hear their former commander, General Henry Waverly (David Girolmo), is an innkeeper in Vermont, but not a successful one; in fact, he’s close to losing the inn. So, what do you do but put on a show to make some do-re-mi for Henry.

Before they get to Vermont, Ray and Dan catch the sister act of Betty and Judy Haynes (Kerry Conte and Darien Crago) on their way to a show in Florida over the holiday. Love may not have come to town for all four, but it sure did for Ray and Judy; sparks were flying like snowflakes in a storm, which made it easier to convince the girls to come to Vermont with them. At the Inn, they meet Henry’s housekeeper, Martha Watson (played to perfection by Charis Leos; gotta love that actress) who’s a former Broadway star with a dry, wise-cracking sense of humor. You know she’ll be up for a show. Also at the Inn is Henry’s visiting granddaughter, Susan (played by Charlotte Van Ledtje that night – one of three actors playing this part). The character Mike Nulty (Joe Capstick) helps out at the Inn and moves at his own pace … slow. Very slow. And funny.

The ensemble cast members/dancers are a holiday dream: Mark Aldrich, Karoline Brechter, Thomas DelCeredo, Mary Beth Donahoe, Tauren Hagans, Jessica Hoadley, Tyler Johnson-Campion (dance captain), Calista Jones, Nate Krohmer, Christian Lane Miller, Lav Raman, Mandie Rapoza, Eric Rivas, Mark Tran Russ; supporting actors/dancers Jeff Sullivan, Emily Kelly (dance captain), Jasmine Gillenwaters, Eric Rivas, Mark Aldrich; the vocal quintet – Aldrich, Mary Beth Donahoe, Hagans, Tran Russ and Sullivan … spectacular! The orchestra, cannot forget the orchestra. Conductor Cimmet, Jacob Stebly, Katy Faracy, Chase Whelan, Sean Potter, Ryan LePage, Dana Teboe, Brad and Alyson Ciechomski ... bravo!

Start dialing the box office right now if you don’t have tickets yet. This is a don’t miss show. Truly. And, did I mention the entire theater is decorated for Christmas? Well, it is and it is divine. Intermission is 25 minutes for this show to give the audience time to visit the Christmas Market downstairs! All kinds of holiday gifts, from T-shirts to Indian simmer sauces … Yes, Boothbay’s Cherie Scott was promoting her Mumbai to Maine products while daughter Sophia Scott plays holiday tunes on guitar in front of a lovely Christmas tree.

For the finale, as the characters begin singing “White Christmas,” it begins to snow in Vermont .. and Pickard Theater, too, which just might bring tears to your eyes. Don’t miss this masterpiece production of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas;” a gift of holiday magic from MSMT to us – and we love it. This show runs through Aug. 3. Got tickets?