Daniel Plimpton and Darien Crago sing and dance “I Love a Piano” in the Maine State Theater performance of “White Christmas.” Photo by MSMT/Jared Morneau Photography

Soaring temperatures have been heating up Maine this July, but at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick, it’s looking a lot like Christmas. Maine State Music Theatre kicked off its first-ever Christmas in July Thursday with a stage rendition of Irving Berlin’s song and dance extravaganza, “White Christmas.”

Main State has gone all out to bring a little Christmas magic. Six Christmas inflatables outside the theater seemed to dance to their own rhythm Thursday night as a gentle breeze stirred the air. Inside, a life-size toy soldier welcomed patrons at the door, and 32 Christmas trees adorned every nook and cranny. In the lower lobby, Maine artisans mounted a craft fair, with a musician playing Christmas music on an acoustic guitar.

The production is directed and choreographed by Marc Robin, who is celebrating his 18th season working with the Brunswick theater. Robin got his start in theater as a dancer, and his passion for dance – particularly tap dancing – shines in “White Christmas.” He has a way of inspiring performers to push their bodies to their limits, and they clearly love him for it. There is genuine joy and enthusiasm radiating from the stage as the cast and ensemble beautifully execute high-energy tap choreography in such dance numbers as “Let Yourself Go” and “Blue Skies.”

“I Love a Piano” garnered a standing ovation Thursday for a performance that was both awe-inspiring and visually stunning. Real-life husband and wife Daniel Plimpton and Darien Crago are a dynamic dance duo as Phil Davis and Judy Haynes, played by Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen in the classic movie. The pair, backed by a large ensemble, tap dance across four stationary pianos and a revolving grand piano with precision and ceaseless energy. Glittering gold and black costumes – trimmed with a piano key design – add the finishing touch.

Maine State Theater’s production of the classic musical “White Christmas” runs through Aug. 3. Photos by MSMT/Jared Morneau Photography

Those familiar with the 1954 movie will notice some plotline and musical number changes in the stage version, but at heart it stays true to the holiday classic and its tribute to the armed forces. Maine State has assembled a memorable cast of talented performers to bring the quintessential musical to its stage.

Humor abounds with animated performances from Plimpton and Crago, who are joined by Will Ray and Kerry Conte as Bob Wallace and Betty Haynes. The pair have big shoes to fill, stepping into roles originally performed by the legendary Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. They do so gracefully, weaving a spell over the audience on such songs as “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” and “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me/How Deep Is the Ocean?” Their ardent vocals resonate with deep, rich tones.

Of course, the beloved “Sisters” is always a treat, particularly when comically reprised by Ray and Plimpton as Wallace and Davis.

Maine State Music Theatre veterans David Girolmo and Charis Leos also headline as General Henry Waverly and Martha Watson. Girolmo is superbly cast as the General turned Vermont innkeeper. His bigger-than-life presence and resonating baritone voice embody the big-hearted character and his take-charge attitude.

Leos drops one-liners like comic bombshells that reverberate with laughter from the audience. In her showcase song and dance number, “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy,” she is a force of nature to rival the General.

Three young ladies alternate the role of General Waverly’s granddaughter, Susan. Thursday evening’s audience was treated to a spitfire performance by Charlotte Van Ledtje.

Standouts in the secondary cast include Jeff Sullivan as Ralph Sheldrake, Emily Kelly as Rita, Jasmine Gillenwaters as Rhoda and Mark Aldrich as the ever-amusing stagehand Ezekial.

This production of “White Christmas” dazzles, from its strong cast, breathtaking song-and-dance numbers and terrific costumes to the theater’s new video scenes, which switch between lush backdrops that make the stage pop with vitality. When “snow” falls over the audience in the final number, “White Christmas,” it feels as if the audience has been transported to that inn in rural Vermont. It’s magic.

April Boyle is a freelance writer from Casco. Contact her at: aprilhboyle@yahoo.com.
Twitter: @ahboyle