White Christmas Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...This year, it’s the turn of the Paramount Theatre in Aurora to stage the musical version of the 1954 VistaVision movie with Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen and Bing Crosby, as souped up by various additions from the venerable Irving Berlin catalog. For years, I’ve refused to write “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” (although that is the official title of the show created in 2000 for the Tony Award-winning Muny in St. Louis) as I see that as an example of estate-creep, where every composer’s grandkids want to stick a name in front of the actual title and force everyone to comply. But, for the record, it’s “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” technically."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...And what a show it is, particularly in numbers like the dreamy “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.” Lydia Burke, Alanna Chavez, Tim Foszcz, Joe Giovannetti and Darian Goulding provide wonderful backing vocals for the number, which features Dolan, Potter and the ensemble performing Krause’s seamless combination of ballet, ballroom and Latin dance."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...The entire cast here is excellent, with Syiek and Grimm delivering the greatest vocal heat (alongside the showstopping Smith) and Dolan and Potter showing off terpsichorean virtuosity in “I Love a Piano” (Annie Jo Fischer provided the tap choreography for this number, with Tiffany Krause creating the dances overall for the show). The visual elements, including Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s scenic and projection design and Mara Blumenfeld’s eye-popping costumes (including black-and-white verticals reminiscent of keyboards in “I Love a Piano”), also fill the stage with seasonal color and charm."

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...There's something about White Christmas, music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by David Ives and Paul Blake, that transcends generations. Seeing it on the Paramount stage felt like stepping into the 1954 classic film I've loved for years, only bigger, brighter, and alive with the energy of live performance. From the first note to the final bow, this dazzling adaptation enveloped me in nostalgia, joy, and holiday magic, reminding me why we love both live theatre and this timeless story."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Every director has a different concept of how a play should be presented, and a different stage, set, choreographer and cast will also alter the play from start to finish. “White Christmas” is a musical based on the film with a book by David Ives and Paul Blake and of course, the music and lyrics of the amazing Irving Berlin. This special production is directed by Stephen Schellhardt who is constantly showing us his creativity, gracing many of our areas fine stages and with the choreography of Tiffany Krause and the musical direction of Kory Danielson, they have “knocked it out of the park!”"

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This sweet old-fashioned musical is filled with charm, humor and some welcome delights from the Irving Berlin songbook. Every song and dance is performed with panache and pizzazz by a gifted company of triple-threat professionals who continually bring the audience to their feet. And while Stephen Schellhardt’s production feels fresh and contemporary, it’s like a good, old-fashioned eggnog: seasoned with just the right amount of spirit, spice and sentimentality. WHITE CHRISTMAS is warm, filled with heaps of heart for all ages and a glittery greeting of “Happy Holidays!”"

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Paramount Theatre’s White Christmas unfolds like a living snow globe - bursting with holiday sparkle, sweeping dance numbers, and the timeless melodies of Irving Berlin. From the first notes to the final snowfall, the production wraps audiences in a nostalgic embrace, blending old-fashioned charm with Broadway-sized spectacle. Each scene glitters with warmth and wit, inviting theatergoers to laugh, swoon, and hum along as romance blossoms and friendships deepen against a backdrop of wintry wonder. By curtain call, the joy is infectious - sending audiences out into the night with hearts lightened, spirits lifted and smiles as bright as the marquee."

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...There’s something about White Christmas, music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, book by David Ives and Paul Blake, that transcends generations. Seeing it on the Paramount stage felt like stepping into the 1954 classic film I’ve loved for years, only bigger, brighter, and alive with the energy of live performance. From the first note to the final bow, this dazzling adaptation enveloped me in nostalgia, joy, and holiday magic, reminding me why we love both live theatre and this timeless story."

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"...What better way to kick off the holiday season than a visit to a cozy Vermont inn courtesy of Paramount Theatre’s phenomenal production of “White Christmas” now playing though January 11 in Aurora. With iconic musical numbers written by Irving Berlin, a book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and the big stage production values that are the hallmark of Paramount’s 1900-seat show palace, this satisfying slice of holiday nostalgia will take your breath away."