Photo by Joan Marcus
Happy Thanksgiving week to all of our readers! And if you're a Broadway fan, you've got "Plenty to Be Thankful For" as new Broadway productions open left, right and centre! However, with it being a special Holiday week, we couldn't opt for a better choice as our #ShowOfTheWeek than the Roundabout Theatre Company's new Irving Berlin musical Holiday Inn!
Roundabout has joined forced with Universal Stage Productions to bring this beloved 1942 classic film to life on the stage. The movie famously starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire and even more famously introduced the world to the Oscar-winning earworm that is "White Christmas." And with a host of other Irving Berlin classics such as "Easter Parade," "Blue Skies," "Be Careful, It's My Heart," and "Nothing More to Say," it is an obvious choice for a Broadway make-over.
The production relies on the rejuvenating talents of Tony nominee Bryce Pinkham and "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu, who are stepping into the shoes of Crosby and Astaire, respectively, as Jim Hardy and Ted Hanover. Both succeed in bringing a breath of fresh air to a slightly dated story as Mr. Pinkham swooningly shows off his newly found crooner-style vocals and Mr. Bleu proves his dance skills through frantic tap routines and gorgeous choreography. The female roles have also been filled out and somewhat modernised in comparison to the movie, as Lora Lee Gayer is sympathetic as Linda - an essential female point of view for the musical - and Megan Lawrence provides the comic relief as handy-woman Louise.
Click HERE to read our interview with leading man Bryce Pinkham.
In this daunting, political climate, we surely need something to celebrate. We need something to lift our hearts and bring us hope. That is exactly what Holidays offer, so why not experience a show that packs almost every holiday of the year into two and a half delightful and nostalgic hours? Let's reflect and be thankful for the art that continues to be produced both on and off Broadway this Thanksgiving. I was thankful to experience Irving Berlin's iconic score live, coupled with Denis Jones' beautiful choreography... Will you?
Click here for tickets to Holiday Inn, which is booking through to January 15th, 2017 at Broadway's Studio 54.
Corbin Bleu, Lora Lee Gayer & Bryce Pinkham in Holiday Inn More Production PhotosOriginally published on