Sneak preview of 'White Christmas' at Carson Community Center
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Sat, 11/06/2010 - 7:20am
Yep, I got to the Carson Community Center a 7:30 p.m. Friday night, ready to enjoy the Western Nevada musical "White Christmas." Big show, big cast, great music.
But the audience didn't show up. No one but me, except for Stephanie Arrigotti, producer and director and her cast of thousands.I then realized the the WNMCC opens its shows on Saturdays rather then Fridays.
So what, I was there, the orchestra was warming up, the actors were on stage, the house lights were dimmed and there were plenty of seats, so I sat to enjoy a private preview, the dress rehearsal.
The orchestra hit the overture and then Bob Wallace (Mark D. Williams) and Phil Davis (Steven Miller) opened with a nifty duet "Happy Holidays" followed by Bob singing "White Christmas." Little early for the title song, but I figured there would be a reprise later (and there is). Bob and Phil are an act, Bob the serious one, Phil the woman chaser. Both sing and dance.
Next up "Happy Holidays" with Bob and Phil and the Showgirl singers and the Dance Troupe. Lots of pretty girls as a slice of the old Ed Sullivan Show with the song "Love and the Weather" by Bob and Betty (Sharon Chaon Whitt). Good dancing, hearty singing. From there it was to Jimmy's Back Room where Betty and Judy (Lynne Heller) sing "Sisters." Great duo there. followed by "The Best Things Happen when You're Dancing," Phil and Jimmy's Quartet.
Now here is where things could be confusing as the next scene is aboard train heading for Vermont. Bob thinks he's on a train for Florida, but then Betty and Judy show up while en route and everybody sigs "Snow."
We are then in the barn of the Columbia Inn where Bob and Betty join in "Count Your Bessings." (The inn is owned by the former general both Bob and Phil served under (remember this is supposed to be after WWII).
Well, you get the idea. Saturday night I'll catch the real opening, including the last scene of Act 1, Betty singing "Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me" while Bob follows with "How Deep Is the Ocean." The star-crossed lovers at work with Betty appearing with two black-clad dancers.
As always, Stephanie keeps things moving and has a fine cast. Orchestra is top-notch, costumes are right on and dancing (Gina Kaskie-Davis, charge of hoofing) energetic and boisterous. Good voices on all sides, Bob and Phil showing the way.
You want the rest of the show? Sorry, but they kicked me out then, despite my promises not to tell everyone how good the show is. But this is a preview no one else in the area is going to give you. Stick around, Part II will be here tomorrow.
