Atlantic Lyric Theatre Announces Announces Holiday Events

This holiday season, audiences of all ages will enjoy the uplifting story of the Tony Award nominated hit musical Irving Berlin'S WHITE CHRISTMAS. Presented by Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Irving Berlin'S WHITE CHRISTMAS, the stage reinvention of the beloved classic film, will play the Earl Smith Strand Theatre (117 N. Park Sq., Marietta) Dec. 7 – 23.

The musical tells the story of two showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and find their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin'S WHITE CHRISTMAS is a merry and bright theatrical experience for the entire family. Many Irving Berlin classics are showcased, including "Count Your Blessings," "Sisters," "Happy Holiday," "How Deep is the Ocean," and the unforgettable title song, "White Christmas."

Dustin Lewis will star as song and dance man Bob Wallace, the role made famous by Bing Crosby in the classic 1954 film. Lewis last appeared at The Lyric as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, and was a member of the original German cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Logan Denninghoff makes his Atlanta Lyric Theatre debut as Bob's army buddy, the charismatic ladies' man Phil Davis. Denninghoff starred as Gaston in the national tour of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and originated the role of Starspinner in the Georgia Aquarium's Dolphin Tales. Mary Nye Bennett, who has appeared in The Lyric's Legally Blonde The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie and 42nd Street, will play Betty Haynes, one-half of the beautiful and talented sister act that teams up with Bob and Phil. Playing Betty's younger sister, Judy Haynes, will be Anna Kimmel. who appeared in the national tour of The Wizard of Oz and was last seen at The Lyric in Grease.

Steve Hornibrook will play General Henry Waverly, Bob and Phil's former commanding officer and proprietor of the Vermont inn. Hornibrook has appeared in The Lyric's productions of Anything Goes, Disney's Beauty and the Beast and 42nd Street. Karen Hebert, as Martha Watson, General Waverly's right-hand woman, has starred as Dorothy Brock in The Lyric's 42nd Street and Tessie Tura in The Lyric's Gypsy.

Last seen in Atlanta Lyric Theatre's 2003 production of The Pirates of Penzance, Stuart W. Schleuse plays the role of Bob and Phil's former Army buddy Ralph Sheldrake. Austin Tijerina, who appeared in The Lyric's Anything Goes, is the Columbia Inn's neurotic stage manager, Mike Nulty. As the Columbia Inn stagehand Ezekiel Foster, George Deavours has appeared in The Lyric's Grease, Gypsy and Anything Goes. Mary Stewart Sullivan makes her Lyric debut as General Henry Waverly's precocious granddaughter, Susan Waverly. Sullivan appeared on Broadway in ENRON the Musical.

Others in the cast include Becca Potter, Kelly Chapin Schmidt, Priscilla Curtis, Jessica Bailey Pack, Fenner Eaddy, Ian Blanco, Natalie Rhae Goodwin, Craig Baker and J. Koby Parker.

Atlanta Lyric Theatre's production of Irving Berlin'S WHITE CHRISTMAS will also feature Ron Carter on the Strand's Mighty Allen Theatre Organ Fifteen Minutes PRior to each curtain playing favorite holiday carols.

Irving Berlin'S WHITE CHRISTMAS made its celebrated Broadway debut at the Marquis Theatre in 2008 following acclaimed productions around the country. The New York critics stuffed the lavish musical's stocking full of praise. The New York Times said, "This cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list." Variety raved, "A thrill. Melodious numbers, sparkling visuals, and an enchanting snow-biz finale," and NY-1 News proclaimed the musical, "The perfect gift! Dazzling choreography and glorious tunes."

Irving Berlin'S WHITE CHRISTMAS is directed by The Lyric's artistic director, Brandt Blocker, and is choreographed by Karen Hebert. The creative team also includes Lee Shiver (set designer), Mary Parker (lighting designer), Lindsey Paris (costume designer), Bobby Johnston (sound designer) and George Deavours (wig designer). JP Peterson is the production stage manager.

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