By Doug Iden
The theatrical version of the iconic 1942 film Holiday Inn is the Christmas treat offered at the Covedale Theater.
Plot and Characters
The plot mostly follows the story told in the film with some exceptions. Singer/composer Jim Hardy (Cian Steele) with dancers Ted Hanover (Christopher Wells) and Lila Dixon (Maryne Connor) are successful night club performers in 1947 New York City. However, Jim proposes to Lila to marry him, leave show business and move to a farm in Connecticut. However, agent Danny (Jerrod Gruber) has just booked the trio into a lucrative run in Chicago which Lila wants. They agree to meet after the six-week run. Jim declines the offer and heads to the farm and soon discovers why it was a bargain. He is met by handywoman, housekeeper, busybody Louise (played by Annie Schneider who steals the show) and previous owner and wannabe performer Linda Mason (Cammi Caldwell).
Ted and Lila’s successful show continues across the country intercut by Jim’s fruitless attempts to farm with Louise providing comic but useless advice. Single but now lonely Linda meets Jim several times encouraged by the matchmaking efforts of Louise. Months later, Lila appears to tell Jim that she is marrying a rich Texan which opens the door for Linda and Jim. Jim entertains the idea of opening the inn as a night club but only on American holidays. That endeavor proves successful but Ted, who is now looking for a new dance partner, discovers Linda and tries to steal her away to do a movie based upon the phenomenon of the Holiday Inn. Linda leaves but Jim then tries to get her back. And the rest, as they say is musical theater magic.
Musical Numbers in Covedale’s Holiday Inn
All of the 20 plus songs are written by Irving Berlin, but over half come from other shows and several original numbers were cut. The remainders are Berlin classics and easily recognizable. Jim and Ted compete mano a mano for Lila’s attentions with “I’ll Capture Your Heart Singing” and Jim tries to entice Lila to the farm with “Blue Skies” soon joined by the chorus. Ted and Lila’s ongoing performances feature “Heat Wave” and the Thanksgiving number “Plenty to be Thankful For.” Linda’s dilemma songs include “Marching Along with Time” and “Nothing More to Say.” Louise joins the chorus with the rousing “Singing the Blues Away.”
The New Years Eve opening of the club features “Happy Holidays” with Jim and Linda. A highlight, and assumed hit of the show, is “Be Careful, It’s My Heart” with Jim singing while Ted attempts to steal Linda. A major production number celebrating the Fourth of July with an ensemble number “Song of Freedom” followed by a tour-de-force dance routine by Ted joined later by Linda. Ted uses firecrackers in the dance enhanced by special lighting and sound effects to simulate the sound (Corey Miller and Shannon Eaton). The highlight, of course, is “White Christmas” originally sung by Jim and Linda and then reprised at the end.
Production Team
Director Tim Perrino masterfully melds the singing, dancing, and drama while Choreographer/Assistant Director Cassidy Steele leads a flawless chorus. One unique element is jump-roping in one of the dances. There are many and varied costumes designed by the Costume Team (June Hill, Jesselee Whitson, Jenny Partridge, Karen Haggis, Susan Hinnefeld) with different outfits representing the various holidays plus farm outfits, dance rehearsal uniforms, and a wedding dress.
Many of the scenes are staged in front of a curtain but Brett Bowling has designed an interesting farm with deliberate cartoonish façade of a dilapidated farmhouse. Parts of the building structure collapse in a sight gag. Decorations vary depending upon the holiday depicted. The singing (Greg Dastillung, Music Director) and dancing is joyful and enthusiastic.
Overall…Covedale’s Holiday Inn is Delightful!
This is a delightful holiday confection which has become a staple of the Covedale. The show is brisk, entertaining, and fun with some masterful comic turns by Schneider and Evelyn Huey. Plus, you can not go wrong with many of the best Irving Berlin songs.
So, grab some festive cheer and march down to the Covedale’s Holiday Inn running through December 28.
Get your tickets by using THIS LINK or by calling the Box Office 513-241-6550, Monday – Friday 11am – 5pm.
