White Christmas at 5th Avenue Theatre

Review: White Christmas at 5th Avenue Theatre

The 5th Avenue Theatre has a new bright red marquee to celebrate the opening of Irving Berlin’s classic White Christmas. The brand new sign cost $300,000 and weighs in at 5,500 pounds. The historic 1926 theatre has been without a major marquee outside on 5th Avenue since it was saved from demolition and underwent major renovation 30 years ago. The sign is underwritten by Christabel Gough, the daughter of the man that helped save the 5th Avenue Theatre.

You already know the classic story of White Christmas as two famous entertainers, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, leave Florida in search of winter weather but find themselves in a snowless Pine Tree, Vermont. They do whatever it takes to help their former Army sergeant from going bankrupt and losing his Columbia Inn. The production follows the familiar 1954 movie with music from Irving Berlin.

Amazing performances from Michael Gruber and Greg McCormick Allen, who may not be Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, but they sure seemed as close as you will find. And while the show seemed particularly long for me for an 8pm performance, with both Acts at nearly one and half hours each, the singing and dancing is captivating. The highlight of Act I comes at the end with a spirited performance of “Blue Skies” and be sure to stick around for the end of ACT II for a special snowy surprise. White Christmas played to sold out audiences in 2006 as it becomes increasingly difficult to find such professionally produced classic song and dance theater entertainment in Seattle. “May your days be merry and bright; and may all your Christmases be white.”

White Christmas plays through December 30, 2009 at 5th Avenue Theatre. For more info and tickets, visit www.5thavenue.org.