Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...I’ve waxed and waned a bit on this material over the years and I’ll never be in love with this book. But if you are looking for a highly professional and laudable affordable production of a family-friendly, all-American musical with true inter-generational appeal, this one surely fits the bill. It’s a unifying, big-hearted kind of show and we could all use one of those right now."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...One of the great appeals of holiday shows is that they wear their escapist pleasures so lightly. At a time when many theatergoers might be feeling the escapist urge quitely keenly, this "White Christmas" is a wonderful gift. You know what it is before you unwrap it, but it's exactly what you wanted anyway."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...The production numbers are equally impressive, including the swinging “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” (a near showstopper featuring loose-limbed Johnson-Campion and spitfire Felthous) and the first-act finale, the dazzling “Blue Skies” (the choreography hints at Bob Fosse’s “Frug” from “Sweet Charity”). The actual showstopper, “I Love a Piano,” opens Act Two. Worth the price of admission, the taptastic number concludes with a frenzied dance-off during which Johnson-Campion and Felthous match each other’s lightning-fast footwork step-for-step."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...This revival succeeds on all levels, delivering a show that puts the sparkle back in Irving Berlin's tunes and works as an acceptable alternative to that much revived Charles Dickens Christmas tale."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This year, it is Marriott Theatre’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” that is bringing the musical back to life. They of course, do the in-the-round staging and under the direction and choreography of Linda Fortunato, their production is one that will have you tapping your feet to the music of Berlin. Berlin’s music and lyrics are masterful and classic and the book by David Ives & Paul Blake weaves the story and the music into a tale that could be plausible and real."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Yes, it can’t be denied that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially at the Marriott Theatre. The fast-approaching holiday season may seem far away, but this entertaining and star-studded family-friendly production is sure to inspire theatergoers to start composing their letters to Santa. An unabashedly sweet and old-fashioned musical, Marriott’s IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is filled with welcome delights from the beloved composer’s songbook. Each song and choreographed number is performed with panache and pizzazz under Linda Fortunato’s excellent guidance. This is a winning production that feels especially fresh and contemporary. After many months leading up to a contentious election, this show brings the perfect amount of positive sentimentality and heart. It’s quite simply a warm, sweet, candy cane of a musical to usher in the holiday season."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...White Christmas is a delightful musical, brimming with wit and fun, featuring memorable song and dance numbers that truly leave a lasting impression. Among the numerous standout moments, the entire cast's rendition of "Blue Skies," set against the breathtaking backdrop of real snow falling in Vermont, is a spectacular and uplifting highlight that will stay with me throughout the winter season."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Fans of the classic Crosby/Kaye/Clooney/Ellen film may want to know if the show supplements or at least holds up to their syrupy memories of its viewings in yuletides past. The answer for this year's Marriott production: Pure Vermont Maple. Gorgeously directed and stunningly choreographed by Linda Fortunato, the tuneful songbook combines a number of showstoppers with tender ballads to tell the story of a couple of Army guys-turned-showbiz stars spreading just enough hijinks before doing good, falling in love and presumably living happily ever after. It's just the right amount of schmaltz for a "happy holidays" outing for all ages."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” an old fashioned song and dance musical, seemed just the right antidote opening night following the more than a month of high pitched and sometimes contentious presidential and legislative campaigns."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...This seasonally spectacular production is a must-see for the whole family. Join in a dreamy singalong of “White Christmas” with the cast and feel all the holiday cheer sparkle through your soul and put you in a perfectly jovial frame of mind. This show should be on everyone’s wish list this season."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve watched the movie, White Christmas, seeing it on stage creates a holiday tradition for the whole family. High-energy dancing, gorgeous costumes and beloved tunes come together at the Marriott Theatre’s production Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, now through December 29."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...If you're looking to uphold the tradition of seeing a Christmas show, "White Christmas" at Marriott Theatre is a solid choice. Fantastic dancing and faithful representations of Berlin's trove of hits will have you singing "Happy Holiday" well into the new year."
