Print edition: 
Crown Uptown Professional Dinner Theatre has bounced back convincingly under new ownership and new artistic leadership with the opening show, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” and the word “professional” in the title has never been more appropriate.
From the live 11-piece orchestra in the newly reopened orchestra pit to intricate and precise choreography, including lots of tap and lifts, to bright and coordinated costumes, you might wonder if you’re watching an off-season holdover from Wichita’s premier theater group, Music Theatre of Wichita.
What we’re seeing is the next step up for a 35-year institution now poised to enter the big leagues of local and regional entertainment.
Directed by Matthew Rumsey and choreographed by GiGi Gans Royle, the show moved at a crisp pace with energetic production numbers that proved the dozen background dancers were as indefatigable as the Energizer Bunny. The orchestra under Jesse Warkentin had a couple of shaky, squawky moments early on but quickly found its footing and soared through the glorious Berlin music – both romantic and patriotic.
From “Blue Skies,” “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” to the more obscure “What Can You Do With a General (When He Stops Being a General)?” and “I’ll Follow the Old Man (Wherever He Wants to Go),” it’s all a frosty, frothy, feel-good treat that sends you out of the theater humming.
The show is a 2007 stage adaptation of the beloved 1954 Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye “White Christmas” movie about a pair of World War II Army buddies-turned-song-and-dance men who team with a fledgling sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) to put on a show to save a Vermont ski lodge owned by their former commanding officer. Naturally, love and laughter ensue after some comic misunderstandings and misgivings.
Nick Madsen, a Colorado native making a return guest appearance at Crown (he was in “Grease” several years ago), plays Bob, the calm, deliberative, adult half of the song-and-dance team. Wichita State University theater senior Ross McCorkell plays Phil, the fast-talking, skirt-chasing, devil-may-care partner.
Madsen has a clear, pleasant voice, which shows to advantage in romantic numbers like “Blue Skies.” Madsen puts the right emotional spin to the crooning. McCorkell is the sidekick, but he’s such a terrific dancer with a solid voice and grin that he steals attention even when performing in ensemble.
Virginia native Trish Epperson plays Betty, the older, wiser, less-adventurous sister – and perfect mate for Bob. North Carolina native Michelle Rogers plays Judy, the younger, sillier, jump-in-with-both-feet sister who is the perfect companion for Phil.
Epperson has a lovely soprano perfect for romantic ballads like “Count Your Blessings.” She and Rogers get the wise-cracking sexiness going when they join forces for “Sisters.” Rogers, a sidekick like McCorkell, is an elegant dancer who also draws attention even when in ensemble.
Bob and Betty may give the show its vocal substance, but Phil and Judy give it an irresistible zing.
Mark Clark gives a subtle, surprisingly emotional reading to the non-singing role of the general, who doesn’t feel he has a purpose since he retired. Paula Makar as the general’s tough-talking assistant dishes out large dollops of brassy comedy. She also can belt out “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” with classic Ethel Merman bombast.
The set by Gregory Crane, an award-winner for “Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular,” re-creates half a dozen locations, from backstage at “The Ed Sullivan Show” to the inside of a passenger train to the Vermont ski lodge where the doors will eventually open to show snow falling. The frequent set changes were quick and almost noiseless (even the curtains). Beautifully conceived and handled.
