An old movie turns into a new Broadway musical.
The movie musical Holiday Inn, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, was a big success at the box office in 1942, but its full cultural impact would only be felt later. With a score and story by legendary composer Irving Berlin, the film introduced the timeless holiday number "White Christmas"; it also became the inspiration for a worldwide chain of hotels. Now, 74 years later, it is finally making it to Broadway via the Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54.
The story follows New York crooner Jim Hardy, who wants to leave showbiz and settle down on a farm in Connecticut. But when his fiancée runs away with his costar, Ted Hannover, Jim is left to hoe the row alone. When farming doesn't pan out, he decides to turn the house into a cabaret that only opens on public holidays, with showstopping numbers starring the local school teacher.
Lora Lee Gayer (Doctor Zhivago) stars as that teacher, Linda Mason. Bryce Pinkham (A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder) plays Jim, and Corbin Bleu (Godspell) plays lothario hoofer Ted Hannover.
Megan Sikora (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) plays Lila Dixon, with Lee Wilkof (Breakfast at Tiffany's) as the trio's agent, Danny. Megan Lawrence (Hair) takes the newly created role of caretaker/handywoman Louise, a nod to actress Louise Beavers, who portrayed a similar role in the film.
The stage show features a new book by Chad Hodge and Gordon Greenberg (who also directs). Choreography is by Denis Jones.