STERLING – One of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time is coming to life on-stage for Sterling College Theatre. The movie’s title also happens to be the best-selling song of all time - “White Christmas.” The stage musical known as Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. It is Sterling’s Homecoming musical which will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Oct. 6, 7, and 8 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9.
The musical features such Berlin standards as “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Blue Skies,” “Count Your Blessings,” and, of course, the title tune itself - “White Christmas.”
The heart-warming plot revolves around old Army buddies turned song and dance men Bob Wallace and Phil Davis along with sister act Betty and Judy Haynes. Though Phil and Judy hit it off right away, Bob and Betty don’t warm up to each other. Judy and Phil form a plan for all of them to spend Christmas at a ski resort in Vermont, which happens to be run by their former commanding General who has fallen on hard times. The four plan a full-cast big Christmas show as a fundraiser. But, of course, chaos ensues, misunderstandings abound, all with lots of singing and dancing.
Bob Wallace and Phil Davis will be played by Zeke Thompson of Newton and Noah Svaty of Sterling. Betty and Judy will be played by Zion Bacci of Wichita and Rachel Thomson of Buhler. Keeley Coon of Eureka will play Martha, the general’s housekeeper. General Waverley will be played by Sterling community member and music theatre veteran Mark Clark. Susan, the General’s daughter will be played by Lily Stansbury from Lorraine.
Rita and Rhoda, chorus girls in Bob and Phil’s show, will be played by Mary Little of Hutchinson and Aubrey Anderson from Sterling. Luke Harding of Sterling will play the TV executive Ralph Sheldrake. Ezekiel the stagehand will be played by Justin Smiley of Edmond, Okla. Mike, the stage manager for the show, will be played by Kurt Keegan of Burlington.
The ensemble includes Bryson Brownlee, Caleb Brownlee, and Jake Pieplow of Sterling; Alicia DeHaan of Salina; Josh Allen of Elyria; Katie Lumbert of Rose Hill; Anna Cortez of El Paso, Texas; O’Brien Hall of Plano, Texas; Brayden Keeler of Nickerson; Torey Wilson of Rural Hall, N.C.; Grace Major of Hillsboro; and Josh Morris of Hutchinson.
The musical is being directed by Sasha Hildebrand. Music director is Marisa Callen and scenic designer is Stephen English. All three are faculty at Sterling College.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will take place in Culbertson auditorium on the Sterling College campus. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and are available online now at www.sterling.edu/arts or at the door before each performance. Doors open half an hour prior to each performance.
