'White Christmas' Comes to Absegami High School This Weekend

Those going to see the Emanon Players’ performance of White Christmas Sunday afternoon at will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa Claus.

The Broadway musical stage version of the holiday classic takes place over three days this weekend, debuting Friday night, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. with the second showing coming Saturday night, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The Sunday afternoon, Dec. 11 showing takes place at 3 p.m., with Santa Claus posing for pictures with audience members from 2-3 p.m. and during intermission.

Based on the film, the musical adaptation includes 17 songs by Irving Berlin and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. The score includes well-known standards, such as “Blue Skies,” “Snow,” “Sisters,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” and “White Christmas.”

Four seniors will star in the musical: Jack Keenan and Adam Bockunewicz play veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, while Morgan Kirner and Melissa McCann will play the pair of beautiful singing sisters the veterans pursue as love interests.

Junior Luke Petrecca plays Maj. Gen. Tom Waverly, the owner of a Vermont Lodge that is on the verge of going bankrupt due to lack of snow and subsequent lack of patrons.

“White Christmas is such an iconic holiday film,” director and drama teacher Chip Garrison said. “So many people I’ve spoken to about it even look forward to the annual 24-hour broadcast.  More than any other time of year, the holidays evoke so many memories, and White Christmas really reminds us of a simpler time.”

Garrison decided to direct this show at the behest of Absegami Principal Jeri-Lynn Gatto and former Absegami English teacher Tom Schurtz.

“They both love the movie, and as I thought about it, it seemed like a great way to celebrate the holidays.  I also think the message of the play is relevant to our current time,” Garrison said. “The idea of doing what’s right to help those who have helped us, lead us or inspire us seems like a message we could all use these days.”

The cast also includes: junior Kirsten Wimberg as the general’s assistant and former Broadway starlet Martha Watson; Marla Cassenti as the General’s granddaughter Susan Waverly; senior Billy Bates as Bob and Phil’s former Army buddy and current business agent Ralph Sheldrake; sophomores Gabrielle Hughes and Malia Monk as chorus girls Rita and Rhoda; senior Laura Petro as Bob and Phil’s overly stressed stage manager Michelle; and sophomore Aaron Sartorio as Vermont handy man Ezekiel Foster. 

The Wallace and Davis dancers will be played by Melissa Mangold, Toria Young, Samantha Phommalyla and Tara Payne. Megan Cantz, Josh Westcoat, Nathan Moore, Wyatt Sergeant, Brady Bock, Randy Frazier, Christa Bell, Emily Faunce, Randy Bock, Sean Fineran, Amanda Rae Glick, Nick Hathaway, Carmelo Polisano, Matt Brennan, Alyssa Chase, Angela Capella, Juliet Melnick, Nina Rodriquez, Mecca Verdell and Jessie Schrading fill out the ensemble.

teacher Brian Conover will direct the vocal music, and Galloway Township Middle School teacher and Absegami Marching Braves band director Jim Glenn will direct the student pit orchestra.

Pete Avagliano designed the set, and Emanon Player newcomer Anthony Mauriello, a senior performing arts major at the , choreographed the production.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. They are currently on sale every day in the Absegami High School lobby.

For more information, call 609-04-2061 or visit absegami.net.