Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film, will play at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County’s Ziff Ballet Opera House for a limited one week run, December 25 – 30.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn who fall for a stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, with a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and is based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, and Melvin Frank.
The New York Times exclaims “this cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list.” And, the New York Daily News hailed Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as “a holiday card come to life.”
Reprising their roles for the 2018 season, the show will star Sean Montgomery as “Bob Wallace,” Jeremy Benton as “Phil Davis,” Kerry Conte as “Betty Haynes,” and Kelly Sheehan as “Judy Haynes.” Also featured are Conrad John Schuck as “General Waverly,” Karen Ziemba as “Martha Watson,” Brad Frenette as “Ralph Sheldrake,” Aaron Galligan-Stierle as “Mike Nulty,” and Cliff Bemis as “Ezekiel Foster.” Joining the cast for the first time playing “Susan Waverly” are Emma Grace Berardelli and Kyla Carter.
Rounding out the cast of returning cast members are Kelly Black, Stephanie Brooks, Darien Crago, Laurie DiFilippo, Sarah Fagan, Drew Humphrey, Brianna Latrash, Ann-Ngaire Martin, Danny McHugh, Chris McNiff, Sean Quinn, and Chelsea Williams. Additional new cast members for the 2018 season include Drew King, Daniel Plimpton, Karilyn Ashley Surrat, and Richard Riaz Yoder.
It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with Kerry Conte (Betty Haynes) for this exclusive Hotspots Interview:
When did the performing bug take a hold of you?
Actually when I was in Kindergarten we did a production of the Wizard of Oz and I was picked as Dorothy and I immediately got the big, and never stopped.
What was your first professional/paid gig?
I toured in a production of a tale of Cinderella. There was a repertoire theater in my home town that went on tour when I was in high school. It was my first paid gig and my first time touring.
When did you know it would be your career?
I guess I really knew in kindergarten. I always knew theater would be my life. I had no plan b.
How did you get cast in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas?
I worked with Randy Skinner briefly before, and then I was able to grab an audition in 2015. That summer I got the job, and I was totally excited!
Looking at the pics, the costumes are fantastic, is it fun to wear them?
I love them and they are so period specific. They are so beautifully made, and to wear these costumes are so wonderful.
Besides this role, what has been your favorite role?
I toured with Mary Poppins and I played Mrs. Banks and I understudied for Mary Poppins, which is the best role to play.
What’s your dream role?
I already played one of my dream roles: Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. But I would love to play Marion in the Music Man and/or Anna in The Kind and I.
What should our readers expect from the touring company of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas?
A big splashy Broadway musical. From the name you just think Christmas, but it has incredible costumes, great music and snow!
In addition, the cast has been together for so long we are really a family and love each other. That definitely comes across on stage.
Tickets to Irving Berlin’s White Christmas are available now through the Arsht Center Box Office in person at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, or by calling 305.949.6722, or online at arshtcenter.org. Ticket prices start at $34.
SPECIAL KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY OFFER DECEMBER 25 & 26.
Buy One Adult Ticket, Bring One Child Free! And on Wednesday, December 26, also join us for family-friendly festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Arsht Center lobby. Use promo code KIDSNIGHT by 11:59 p.m. on December 16. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Only valid in select sections and only for the December 25 and December 26 performances.
