'White Christmas' Coming to Red Clay

For those of us who always wanted to spend Christmas at the picturesque Vermont inn featured in the movie “White Christmas,” there is the musical being presented by Artios Academies at the Red Clay Theatre in downtown Duluth Dec. 8-10. Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” The Musical is based on the beloved 1954 Paramount Pictures movie that is replayed on television every holiday season.

“White Christmas” relates the story of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two Army buddies who try to attract guests to the Vermont lodge owned by their former WWII commanding officer by presenting a musical revue. The inn is near bankruptcy because it hasn’t snowed, and guests haven’t been coming. In the movie, Wallace was played by crooner Bing Crosby and Davis by comedian Danny Kaye. Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney played Judy and Betty Haynes, two singing sisters who serve as romantic interests for Wallace and Davis.

The romantic musical comedy features 17 songs composed by Irving Berlin. Audience will recognize familiar songs such as "Blue Skies," "Sisters," "Happy Holiday," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," and, of course, the signature title song "White Christmas."

In the Artios Academies production Bob Wallace is played by Noah Still, Phil Davis by Chris Legg, Judy Haynes by Katrina Highum, and Betty Haynes by Lindsey Boutin.

Artios Academies is comprised of programs that provide educational and artistic opportunities for home schooled children. “We are a private k-12 accredited arts and academies program and have produced at least three quality theatrical productions each year for the past 10 years,” said John M. Lane, Theatre Department director. “On average we perform for over 2,000 audience members each year, and with this year’s productions and theater venues, we expect to exceed that number.”

Past productions by Artios Academies include “Pirates of Penzance,” “My Fair Lady,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Tempest,” and “Annie Get Your Gun.” In addition to “White Christmas,” the 2011-12 season includes “Mulan Jr.” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” Performances have been presented at the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta, the Conant Theatre at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, the Aurora Theater in Lawrenceville, and the Red Clay Theatre located at 3116 Main St. in Duluth.

Performance times for “White Christmas” are 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8; 2 and 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Tickets are available online at $10 for adults and $8 for children. Discount tickets for groups of 10 or more are $8 each.