Amy Patton knew the source material well when stepping into the role of Betty in White Christmas.
“My family owned like seven VHS tapes. White Christmas was one of them. Imagine owning only seven VHS tapes. We wore it out,” said Patton, of the 1954 classic starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
But it wasn’t the storyline or the high-energy dance numbers that drew Patton in.
“I had a massive crush on Danny Kaye. I just wanted to watch Danny,” she said.
The Augusta Players will present the stage version of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas from Dec. 8-10 at the Imperial Theatre.
If people have never heard of the movie, chances are they are at least familiar with Irving Berlin’s song.
“The song White Christmas to this day Is one of the most downloaded songs in history,” said Casey Johnson, who plays the role of Bob Wallace the same role Bing Crosby played in the film. “It Is the most widely known song in the world,”
The song has sold more than 50 million copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
As in any movie adapted for the stage, there are some differences in the stage and film versions.
“A couple of dances Vera Ellen does (in the movie) were because they wanted to see her dance,” said Johnson.
The Count Your Blessings song that Bob sings to Betty is staged a little differently. He starts off singing it to Susan, the general’s granddaughter, but when she heads off the stage, Bob is left alone with Betty for a more romantic moment.
Also, the song Snow is sung in the movie with just the four main characters. In the stage version, the full ensemble sings it.
Patton said the show is filled with great song-and-dance numbers.
“My favorite number is Blue Skies,” she said. “It’s a giant dance number. You catch a glimpse of it in rehearsals. It’s a huge dance and tap number. I’m a sucker for a giant song.
The actors said they are hopeful of a sellout as ticket sales have been brisk.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will be at 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 and at 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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