CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH WHITE CHRISTMAS AT GOODSPEED MUSICALS
By Kiersten Bjork (December 3, 2025)
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is currently playing to sold out houses at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut. Based upon the classic holiday film of the same name, the story is brought to life on stage with all the Christmas magic you could wish for. White Christmas features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, original orchestrations by Larry Blank, and vocal and dance arrangements by Bruce Pomahac. Featuring a talented cast, catchy tunes, and a heartwarming plot, White Christmas is the perfect show to enjoy as we head into the holiday season. The Goodspeed production is directed by Hunter Foster (original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie), who, with choreographer Kelli Barclay, has created a dazzling, dynamic, dance-filled production that is a delight from start to finish. Adam Souza serves as music director, and is also responsible for orchestral reductions, with Gideon Temple as associate music director.
White Christmas follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two former soldiers who, following World War II, make their living as a famous song and dance duo. When a meeting with Betty and Judy Haynes results in Wallace and Davis heading to Vermont for the Haynes’ Christmas performance, Bob and Phil find their former General running an inn with no end to the bills piling up–and not a snowflake in sight. Recognizing that the inn could use some customers and knowing that the General could use some holiday cheer, Wallace and Davis put out a call to their former comrades of the 151st to invite them to the inn for Christmas. What ensues is an amusing tale packed with song, dance, and plenty of romance. Set to a beautiful score that features classic hits such as “Blue Skies” and–of course–“White Christmas,” the musical is a wonderful tale of love, hope, joy and the spirit of the holidays.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is currently playing to sold out houses at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut. Based upon the classic holiday film of the same name, the story is brought to life on stage with all the Christmas magic you could wish for. White Christmas features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, original orchestrations by Larry Blank, and vocal and dance arrangements by Bruce Pomahac. Featuring a talented cast, catchy tunes, and a heartwarming plot, White Christmas is the perfect show to enjoy as we head into the holiday season. The Goodspeed production is directed by Hunter Foster (original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie), who, with choreographer Kelli Barclay, has created a dazzling, dynamic, dance-filled production that is a delight from start to finish. Adam Souza serves as music director, and is also responsible for orchestral reductions, with Gideon Temple as associate music director.
White Christmas follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two former soldiers who, following World War II, make their living as a famous song and dance duo. When a meeting with Betty and Judy Haynes results in Wallace and Davis heading to Vermont for the Haynes’ Christmas performance, Bob and Phil find their former General running an inn with no end to the bills piling up–and not a snowflake in sight. Recognizing that the inn could use some customers and knowing that the General could use some holiday cheer, Wallace and Davis put out a call to their former comrades of the 151st to invite them to the inn for Christmas. What ensues is an amusing tale packed with song, dance, and plenty of romance. Set to a beautiful score that features classic hits such as “Blue Skies” and–of course–“White Christmas,” the musical is a wonderful tale of love, hope, joy and the spirit of the holidays.
The cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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Clyde Alves, Jonalyn Saxer, and the cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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As always, the Goodspeed team has assembled a stellar company to bring this tale to life. Leading the charge as Wallace and Davis are Omar Lopez-Cepero and Clyde Alves. Lopez-Cepero is charming and sweet, delivering smooth vocals and particularly tender renditions of “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” and “How Deep is the Ocean.” Alves is a fantastic dancer, truly shining in numbers such as “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” and “I Love a Piano.” Alves has a great partner in Jonalyn Saxer as Judy Haynes, and the two of them are mesmerizing to watch.
As Judy, not only is she a very strong dancer, Saxer is also wonderful to watch in her character work opposite Alves, as well as with Judy’s sister, Betty–portrayed by Lauren Nicole Chapman. Chapman is a fiery Betty, always ready to verbally spar with Lopez-Cepero, and she knocks “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” out of the park.
As General Henry Waverly, Bruce Sabath is strict, yet endearing. He maintains the rigidness expected of a former General while also delving into the grandfatherly side of the character in his relationship with his granddaughter Susan, as well as the humorous dynamic that he shares with Martha Watson, played by Aurelia Williams. Williams is a powerhouse as Watson. She brings the house down with the number “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy,” and her delivery of many of the witty lines–particularly her back-and-forth moments with the General–are quite fun. Sofie Nesanelis is entertaining as the young star, Susan. She brings great presence and a stubborn confidence to Susan that works well.
As Judy, not only is she a very strong dancer, Saxer is also wonderful to watch in her character work opposite Alves, as well as with Judy’s sister, Betty–portrayed by Lauren Nicole Chapman. Chapman is a fiery Betty, always ready to verbally spar with Lopez-Cepero, and she knocks “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” out of the park.
As General Henry Waverly, Bruce Sabath is strict, yet endearing. He maintains the rigidness expected of a former General while also delving into the grandfatherly side of the character in his relationship with his granddaughter Susan, as well as the humorous dynamic that he shares with Martha Watson, played by Aurelia Williams. Williams is a powerhouse as Watson. She brings the house down with the number “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy,” and her delivery of many of the witty lines–particularly her back-and-forth moments with the General–are quite fun. Sofie Nesanelis is entertaining as the young star, Susan. She brings great presence and a stubborn confidence to Susan that works well.
Omar Lopez-Cepero, Clyde Alves, and the cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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The cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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Jeff Gallup plays the enthusiastic and exuberant Ralph Sheldrake, the soldier-turned-producer who currently works for the Ed Sullivan Show. His energy is infectious and brings up the spirits of every scene that he enters.
It’s always fun to see what productions of White Christmas will do with the character of Ezekiel Foster, the rather quiet barn hand/stage hand. Stepping into the overalls is Jay Aubrey Jones, who understands this role perfectly. He delivers his lines with deadpan when necessary, yet always with a sparkle in his eye, bringing just the right amount of humor.
Rounding out the company are the incredible ensemble members, including Sydney Chow, Gallup, Jasmine Ashanti Gillenwaters, Laura Guley, Jones, Alex Hayden Miller, Linda Neel, Keyon Pickett, Daniel Reardon, Colleen Roberts, and Travis Ward-Osborne, with Rhagan Carter and Brandon J. Morris as swings. The ensemble handles the numerous characters and costume changes, as well as the impressive choreography, with great skill. “I Love a Piano” is one of my favorite numbers in the show, and Barclay’s choreography really shines here, with the ensemble truly outdoing themselves–led by Alves and Saxer–on the fun tap choreography. Across the board, the dancing throughout the show is wonderful. Gillenwaters and Neel are hilarious as the featured showgirls, Rita and Rhoda. Likewise, Reardon as Mike Nulty is wonderful.
It’s always fun to see what productions of White Christmas will do with the character of Ezekiel Foster, the rather quiet barn hand/stage hand. Stepping into the overalls is Jay Aubrey Jones, who understands this role perfectly. He delivers his lines with deadpan when necessary, yet always with a sparkle in his eye, bringing just the right amount of humor.
Rounding out the company are the incredible ensemble members, including Sydney Chow, Gallup, Jasmine Ashanti Gillenwaters, Laura Guley, Jones, Alex Hayden Miller, Linda Neel, Keyon Pickett, Daniel Reardon, Colleen Roberts, and Travis Ward-Osborne, with Rhagan Carter and Brandon J. Morris as swings. The ensemble handles the numerous characters and costume changes, as well as the impressive choreography, with great skill. “I Love a Piano” is one of my favorite numbers in the show, and Barclay’s choreography really shines here, with the ensemble truly outdoing themselves–led by Alves and Saxer–on the fun tap choreography. Across the board, the dancing throughout the show is wonderful. Gillenwaters and Neel are hilarious as the featured showgirls, Rita and Rhoda. Likewise, Reardon as Mike Nulty is wonderful.
Aurelia Williams in Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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Jonalyn Saxer with Keyon Pickett, Alex Hayden Miller, Travis Ward-Osborne, and Jeff Gallup in Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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Scenic design by David L. Arsenault brings us right into the world of the show with soaring wooden barn frames and delightful holiday decor. Shout out to the creative team and props department for the fun Easter egg from last year‘s holiday production of A Christmas Story. Costumes by designer Jeff Hendry (costume coordination by Antonio Consuegra) are beautiful. My particular favorites are Betty’s dress during the number “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me,” as well as the beautiful red dresses and corresponding Santa suits from the finale. Wig, hair, and makeup design by J. Jared Janas and Cassie J. Williams supports the overall look very well. Lighting designers Kirk Bookman and Nathan W. Scheuer do wonderful work painting with light and color. Sound design by Jay Hilton is strong, with a great balance throughout. Adam Souza conducts a very talented group of musicians who bring the lively score to life.
Omar Lopez-Cepero and Sofie Nesanelis in Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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Omar Lopez-Cepero and the cast of Goodspeed's White Christmas, 2025 (Diane Sobolewski)
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It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a musical like White Christmas. It has all the holiday joy, theatre magic, and Christmas spirit to warm up a cold winter’s day. Don’t miss your chance to experience this fantastic production! See White Christmas at Goodspeed Musicals before it closes on December 31.
White Christmas plays November 14-December 31, 2025, at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at goodspeed.org/shows/white-christmas or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
White Christmas plays November 14-December 31, 2025, at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at goodspeed.org/shows/white-christmas or by calling the Box Office at (860) 873-8668.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.