Story and photos by Tom Ganser
There is no better way to bring musical theater joy to the holiday season than by enjoying a performance of the Whitewater High School Players production of Irving Berlin’s classic “White Christmas” Nov. 21-23 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School.
General tickets ($7 for students and $10 for adults) are available at the box office one hour before the performance. For more information, contact the box office at 262-472-8178.
Prior to curtain opening, Tom Ganser’s photos of the WHS Players productions of “Footloose” (2021), “Beauty and the Beast” (2022), and “Mean Girls” (2023) will be shown.
Based on the 1954 holiday classic film “White Christmas” this uplifting family musical revolves around two buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. After World War II, they become a popular song-and-dance duo, and they decide to help their former commanding general by putting on a show at his struggling Vermont inn. Along the way, they meet two talented sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, and love blossoms during the holiday season.
“White Christmas” is a festive celebration of romance, friendship, and the magic of Christmas.
Under the artistic direction of Jim McCulloch, musical direction of Liz Elliott, choreography by Tatum Atkins, and costumed by Sarah Vincent-Dunham, cast members include: Ian Agen, Jocelyn Alcala, Chacha Binagi, Payton Bunger, Ayden Clark, Alex Clarksen, Peyton Comfort, Esteban Diaz, David Enns, Georgia Esch, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Haley Keltesch, Ameera Lin, Ash Miethke, Genevieve Miranda, Virginia Nelson, Sam Nickelsburg, Sophia Noonan, Kai Peterson, Haleigh Pond, Jesus Ramirez, Lia Ramirez, Julian Rennells, A’lani Ross, Josie Selby, Taylor Speerbrecher, Alex Sullivan, Jaylynn Traxler, and Ava Van Daele.
Bringing set construction and backstage magic to the production under the guidance of Kat Dunham are Caitlin Alford, Isabella Cohen, Laken De Porter, Erison Dreksler, Emerson Dunham, Calli Hartzheim, Taiya Kolb, Angel Kigar, Isabelle Lavertu, Kara Long, Miles Nickelsburg, Ava Nygren, Joshua Nygren, Sam Raupp, Cora Schimming, Kendra Serrano, Lucille Troxel, and Samantha Van Daele.
Adding sparkle to the production by the pit band musicians under direction of Sam Averill are Dante Baker, Anne Coburn, Isabella Cohen, Jay Downs, Justin Kamp, Isabelle Lavertu, Melina Palmer-Flintrop, Nathan Roley, Piper Tevis, Sami Van Daele, and Willow Vogelzang.
The important and lasting powerful impact of being part of a Whitewater theatrical production on students is easy to underestimate, but very evident.
Chacha Binagi, WHS junior, said, “Phil Davis is my first lead singer role. In summer and previous fall shows, I’ve been given named supporting roles, but still considered a member of ensemble. It hasn’t been easy, learning harder dances and more lines, but it’s definitely been fun. I’ve liked doing more and it isn’t too hard as long as I put effort into it.”
He added, “I like how much Phil Davis dances, and how he’s charming and funny. Through this show, I’ve learned that you will never know how hard something is or how hard someone has it until you live through it.”
WHS freshman Jaylynn Traxler has been a valued part of past Whitewater productions. Regarding her experiences as a member of the crew in “White Christmas,” she shared, “I would have to say when being in this musical you have to have a lot of time management and being able to be negotiable. When facing challenges that randomly pop up through the musical extra rehearsals or different time changes, you have to be able to be there when you can and be negotiable with the director.”
Considering the value of what she’s has learned, Traxler added, “This also relates to when you get a job or when you go to college when you have to have time management to get to your job on time or talking to a professor so all of it is really important.”
“If I don’t step up on a stage again I will always have these skills that theater has taught me.”
Start your holiday season by surprising a friend or neighbor with the gift of a ticket to “White Christmas.”
