What Can White Christmas Do For You?

My Holidays Start After White Christmas!!

by Dr. Hernandez

L-R Michael Misko, Brooke HIlls, Sarah Misho, and William Hoshida as Bob, Betty, Judy and Phil. - photo by Doug Nuttelman

Do you remember your first Christmas?  If we are honest, the only people who really remember our first Christmas is our parents, older siblings, aunts, uncles, and anyone older than ourselves.  What I do remember from one of my first Christmases is an image of my mom and dad watching Irving Berlin's, "White Christmas" movie with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.  My mom smiling and singing the words to all the songs.  As a kid, it seem that "White Christmas" was our family's magical kickoff to the holidays.

Last night was the best gift I could receive this year.  I have been in Abilene, Kansas, for Christmas for four years and it has never seemed like Christmas.  But last night, I found myself sitting in Chapman High School's Theatre watching a GPT production of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."  I got a glimpse of something I have been missing --Sparkles.  Sparkles in the eyes of my family and friends as we softly mouthed and sang the words to every song in the show.

What made the night even more special was who was in the cast and crew, and for most of us, this theatre group is more than people putting on a show to entertain an audience, it is a family.  And sometimes it's that family that gets you through long road shows, birthdays and the Holidays. Thanks Doug, Michael, Sara, Elizabeth, Jimi, Maggie, Brendon, Sam, William and the rest of the cast and crew for giving me back the Holiday feeling I have been missing. 

Back to business... 

CALL AND GET YOUR TICKETS to The Great Plains Theatre's presentation of Irving Berlin's "white Christmas" at Chapman High School, December 5-21. Based on the classic holiday film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, “White Christmas” tells the story of two WWII buddies, Bob and Phil, putting on a show in a Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. 

Adapted for the stage, this seasonal show is filled with romance, big dance numbers, laughter and a score of unforgettable Irving Berlin classics including "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Happy Holiday," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and the title song, of course. 

Artistic Director, Doug Nuttelman believes Irving Berlin's “White Christmas” to be the perfect end cap to GPT's 20th Anniversary Season. 

"It's been a year full of challenges and I can't think of a better way to celebrate the holidays and the achievements of the year than with this show,” says Nuttelman. “Our audiences will be thrilled with the big production numbers, enjoy the singing and comedy, and get into the holiday spirit." 

Returning to GPT for the production are actors Michael Misko and his wife Sarah Misko, Larry Divel and his wife Lisa Divel, Melissa Ford, Brendon Dalton, Clayton Avery, Adam Glickman, and Brenna Downs – who choreographs the large scale dance numbers. New faces include Darrell Johnston and his wife Kimberly Braun, Megan Gill, Brooke Hills and William Hoshida. Elizabeth Collins, a 7th grader at Abilene Middle School is also featured. 

Nuttelman directs the production, with Joe Markley serving as Musical Director. Costumes are by Peggy Riley, lighting design by Jimilee Rempe, spotlight operation by Nick Wright, and Nolan Engels stage manages the show. 

Astra Bank is sponsoring Irving Berlin's “White Christmas” which opens at 7:30 pm on Friday, December 5 at Chapman High School, located at 400 W. 4th Street, Chapman, KS. 

The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau Trolley will be making several trips to Chapman from Abilene for the show. On the December 9, 11, 13, 16 and 18th, the trolley will depart the Visitors Center at 6:30 pm. Cost for the ride is $5 and reservations must be made in advance. Call the Visitors Center at 785-263-2231 to reserve a spot on the trolley. 

For a performance schedule, to purchase tickets, or for more information, visit GPT's website www.greatplainstheatre.com and click on calendar tab, or call 785-263-4574. Tickets are also available by stopping by GPT's office located at 311 NW 3rd Street, in Abilene, or at the performance location 30 minutes prior to the show start time.

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