Playwright: music & lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by David Ives & Paul Blake, based on the screenplay by Norman Panama, Melvin Frank & Norman Krasna . At: Broadway In Chicago at the Bank of America Shubert Theatre, 18 W. Monroe . Phone: 800-775-2000; $25-$98. Runs through: Jan. 2, 2011
With increasing numbers of revelers rejecting long-distance vacations this year to seek their celebration in the Loop, Broadway In Chicago has assembled a ideally balanced menu of choices: for the young and hip, there's the edgy Wicked at the Cad Palace. For the less-talk-more-action fans, there's the acrobatic Traces at Water Tower Place's Broadway Theatre. And for audiences preferring to be entertained at a more leisurely pace, the BankAmerica Shubert is hosting this screen-to-stage adaptation of a 1954 Hollywood heartwarmer.
David Ives and Paul Blake's book cobbles together elements of the backstage musical ( a successful song & dance duo prepares their new Broadway extravaganza ) with the poor-girls-make-good formula ( a "singing sisters" act benefits romantically and professionally by their acquaintance with these male stars ) . Besides the usual lovers' misunderstandings, the plot references the save-the-property-from-foreclosure crisis and a salute to Our Brave Boys In Uniform ( the resort owner in need of the show, you see, is our ex-GI heroes' former commander ) . We also have a wisecracking matron, an adorable child, a laconic rube, a fussy Manhattan director, featherbrained chorus girls and a glib west-coast TV exec. All that's missing is the big furry dog.
But if you wanted complicated narrative, there's Christmas Carol at the Goodman. What fuels this kind of holiday sweet are wailing horns, nimble feet, big skirts and cozy ballads by Irving Berlin at his schmaltziest ( that's a compliment, folks ) like "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", upbeat jazz-tempo tappers like "Let Yourself Go" and inspirational ditties like "Count Your Blessings." Warblers are allowed a bit more stylistic stridency in 2010, but Ruth Williamson takes the belter's trophy for "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" ( encored by pint-sized belterette Mary Peeples ) , while bachelor buddies John Scherer and Denis Lambert deliver a shyly het rendition of "Sisters." And though everyone is invited to sing along with the title song, look for a few veterans to join in "The Old Man."
Yes, it's all as corny as the garlands on the tree, but so infectious is the nostalgic glow, nevertheless, that opening-night spectators cheered the falling of fake snow throughout the house at the finaleat least, until confronting the real thing upon leaving.