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MNfusion: Ordway Center's 'White Christmas' Can't Capture Holiday Nostalgia

As many Minnesotans can attest to, it just doesn't feel like Christmas if there isn't snow.

But a white Christmas is a staple for more than just Minnesotans, as shown by the classic Christmas carol. The popularity of the song shows people across the country relate the holiday with the cold, white powder.

In fact, in his program note Vice President of Programming and Producing Artistic Director James A. Rocco even notes that Irving Berlin's lyrics evoke a sense of longing for home and family among Americans from all backgrounds.

Now, if only the Ordway's production of the lyricist's musical "White Christmas" could have created that same sense of nostalgia.

Before going any further, in full disclosure, I should note that I adore the 1954 Bing Crosby Christmas movie. I watch it every year on Christmas Eve and can sing every song and recite almost every word.

But plot, and song, differences aside, there were elements missing that would hurt any show.

From the beginning the show was a bit lack-luster.

Many of the sets were very basic.

This, in part, had to do with the nature of some of the dance numbers. Several included the full cast, so the whole stage was put to use. But, in a space that previously brought us beautiful water colored sunsets in "Paint Your Wagon" and traditional Venetian mansion in "Sound of Music" even the large sets, like the barn and inn, failed to wow.

The dressing rooms, train and Ed Sullivan show pieces were also very tight, using only a fraction of the stage.

This would have been an easy thing to overcome, but the cast itself also seemed a bit lethargic.

From the first large number, "Happy Holidays/Let Yourself Go," it felt a bit flat. Several of the dancers seemed to be very caught up in remembering choreography, and while they danced without flaw (a hard thing to accomplish) it also was without a lot of feeling.

Which seemed to be a theme throughout the show, with the exception of a few characters.

Thomasina Petrus (Martha Watson) added a much-needed burst of color and sound. Her powerhouse rendition of "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" was a crowd favorite. Jenny Piersol (Judy Haynes) also brought a lot of life to her dance numbers and character who, admittedly, doesn't have as entertaining of a storyline as her sister.

Unfortunately, while both are very talented singers and dancers, Dieter Bierbrauer (Bob Wallace) and Ann Michaels (Betty Haynes) didn't seem to have much chemistry.

Bierbrauer was convincing as a caring gentlemen in his rendition of "Count Your Blessings," and Michaels gave a stunning rendition of "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me," but I found it hard to believe that she was really singing about Bierbrauer's Bob.

When a show whose plot is a "Parent Trap" type love story but the love interests don't spark, it makes sense it won't light up the stage.

However, there were a few numbers that were easy in which to get carried away.

Michaels, Petrus and Piersol's "Falling Out Of Love Can Be Fun" was a delight. It's everything that's great about female friendships – giddy girlishness mixed with a hint of snark and bitterness that comes from life experience.

And, of course, the title number is always an extravagant experience for audience members who have never seen it.

In all, the show was entertaining and the performers were each very talented. But, like a winter snowstorm, once the novelty has worn off it's not that exciting.

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