A white Christmas in more ways than one

Theatre | December 7th, 2016

As anyone who has lived in Fargo for any period of time knows, we are at precious little risk of not having the proverbial “White Christmas.” If anything, we have a surplus of the white fluffy stuff throughout the winter. Those times that that’s not the case are generally a fluke. So far, this year seems like one of those flukes.

Perhaps it’s only fitting, then, that the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre is putting on a stage adaptation of perennial holiday favorite “White Christmas.”

Luckily I was able to interview the artistic director of FMCT, Anna McCorison, about the upcoming local stage production, which is directed by Daniel Damico, choreographed by Craig Ellingson, and musically directed by Julie Adams. Also worth mentioning is that throughout the performance season Gate City Bank has been a major contributor to FMCT’s productions.

“White Christmas” was a film released in 1954 featuring the talents of Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen. The story involves the trials, tribulations, and ultimately success of the four main characters Bob Wallace, Phil Davis, and the Haynes sisters who are trying to resurrect a failing Vermont inn by holding a holiday spectacular. Unfortunately, the conspicuous lack of snow that winter threatens the success of the whole Christmas enterprise.

McCorison pointed out that the Fargo Theater will actually be playing the original film on December 8, the evening before the first night of the local production, which will be held Friday December 9, Saturday December 10, and Sunday December 11, as well as the following weekend. Two free tickets to the stage production will be given away at that screening.

While the film (and subsequent stage adaptation) have been regional favorites since they first debuted McCorison says that the show hasn’t been performed at the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater for some time. “As I’ve been visiting rehearsals, the music, dancing, humor, and love in the story are strongholds that I think many people gravitate toward this time of year. It’s a family-friendly, feel-good piece with lots of eye candy,” said McCorison.

All the actors in the production are volunteers from the local community. If the lack of professional acting chops worries any readers, McCorison pointed out that the entire cast has been blowing her away with their talent. The backgrounds of the actors run the gamut from students to doctors and lawyers. A good portion of the cast is making their debut with Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater at this show, but frequenters of their shows will also see some returning talent. The cast includes ages ranging from elementary school children to mature adults, all of whom are thrilled at the chance to perform in the show.

If you’re looking for holiday entertainment that the whole family will be able to enjoy and also want to support continued local theater, you won’t have a much better opportunity this season than going to Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater’s production of “White Christmas.” If you’re planning to go you may want to hurry and buy tickets, though, as they are quickly selling!

IF YOU GO

White Christmas

Dec. 8-11 and 16-18

The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St S, Fargo

box office 701-235-6778

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