'White Christmas' an absolute delight

"IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS," through Dec. 24, Pioneer Theatre Company (801-581-6961); running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)

There are few things in life on which you can depend. So, let it be known, that Irving Berlin is one of them.

Honestly … with the swells of "White Christmas" come the swells of goose bumps — every time.

Put Berlin's music in the very capable hands of music director Michael Horsley, who's conducting a 17-piece orchestra, and Pioneer Theatre Company's "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" is about a sure thing as one can get.

From the elegantly colorful costumes (K.L. Alberts) to the brilliant choreography (Dirk Lumbard), the top-notch cast to the sure direction (Paul Mason Barnes), this is a holiday offering worthy of Santa's "nice" list.

Berlin was stuck in Beverly Hills at Christmastime and penned the holiday anthem in 1942. The song was turned into a movie (Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby) and in 2004, a team, with the help of Horsley, turned the classic into a stage musical.

The plot varies a bit from the movie but retains plenty of the poignant moments and songs to keep the purists happy.

In the role of lead crooner, actor Tally Sessions delivers Berlin's lush melodies beautifully. Sessioins handles the iconic "White Christmas," and "How Deep Is the Ocean." He's charming, funny and very sweet during "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep."

Tim Falter plays Phil Davis, his partner in crime. Falter is funny and also sings well, but he really shines during dance numbers with the talented Kaitlyn Davidson (Judy Haynes). The pair is beautifully matched, making Lumbard's choreography look effortless (which is certainly is not).

Amy Justman plays the other Haynes sister, rounding out foursome nicely. Their harmonies are gorgeous, and Justman's turn at "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" is wonderful.

It was nice to see local actress Mary Fanning Driggs garner plenty of laughs and applause as the brassy Martha Watson.

The real standout is Barnes' ensemble. A group of spirited dancers that bring joy to every number … truly some of the best group dance numbers I've seen. "Let Yourself Go" and "Blue Skies" are superb, and "I Love a Piano" is how every Act II should begin.

PTC's production is not to missed by anyone looking for a little bit of a homey Christmas warmth.

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com