'White Christmas' rings in holiday

"I'm dreaming of a _______ __________"

"I've got my ______ to keep me __________."

"Happy _______. Happy ________. While the ________ bells, keep ringing, may your every ______ come _______."

This game of musical fill-in-the-blank — or name that tune — is brought you by Irving Berlin, the "father of American music."

Even Berlin's colleagues couldn't help but sing his praises. George Gershwin called him "the greatest songwriter that has ever lived," and Jerome Kern said, "Berlin has no place in American music, he is American music."

Known for his lyrical melody lines and ability to connect with the average person, Berlin has more than 1,500 songs to his name, including scores to 19 Broadway musicals and 18 films — including the score for "White Christmas," described as "a holiday card come to life."

Pioneer Theatre Company opens its production of the holiday greeting on Friday.

"He wrote from a common emotional place that everyone can connect with," said music director Michael Horsley. "And his music is so singable."

Horsley helped create the stage adaptation of the 1954 classic film that starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. Since then, he has conducted productions across the country, as well as in Toronto and last year's national tour.

"I've done, easily, 500 performances of 'White Christmas,' and it's still as fresh to me as the first time," he said of Berlin's music.

"I have always connected with this score," he said. " I just get caught up in it."

"Berlin was not a properly trained musician," Horsley said. "He could only play on the black keys. Everything he wrote was in the key of F sharp."

"He had a piano that was built with a lever on it that could transpose the music while he played on the black keys," Horsley added.

"His fellow musicians were properly trained. But Berlin had an ability to write melodies and lyrics that connect to people; especially to the average person. He just knew how to do it without any schooling."

And the PTC cast is having a wonderful time bringing the classic tunes to life.

"They're great. They definitely understand the vernacular and nuance, both vocally as well as with the script," Horsley said.

The stage adaptation which closely follows the plot of the iconic movie, features beloved songs like "Happy Holidays," "Sisters," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and of course "White Christmas."

"Oh people love this show at the holidays," Horsley said. "Gorgeous costumes and melodies, and to hear it with a full orchestra. It's a picture postcard come to life."

If you go...

What: "Irving Berlin's White Christmas"

When: Dec. 3 - 24

Where: Pioneer Theatre Company, 300 S. 1400 East

How much: $34-$54

Phone: 801-581-6961

Web: www.pioneertheatre.org

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com