A Walk Down Memory Lane

Holiday Inn – Drury Lane Theatre

Now that the holiday season is upon us, and theatres are cautiously reopening after the pandemic hiatus, it’s once again that time of year when festive entertainments bloom like poinsettias all over Chicagoland. Drury Lane is proudly presenting the theatrical equivalent of a soft, warm blanket or a delicious bowl of comfort food. As we try to shine a light through the Covid-19 murkiness and rekindle our old traditions and fond memories of holidays past, an evening spent snuggling into this Irving Berlin songfest offers a nostalgic trip back to a kinder, gentler time.  

Five years ago a “new” musical opened on Broadway, after tryouts at the tiny Goodspeed Opera House and a run at the enormous Muny Theatre. The musical proved to be a hit, although it was undeniably an old-fashioned walk down memory lane. The show was based upon the popular film of the same name from the early 1940’s. The movie’s script had been reworked by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge, but they kept much of the score from the movie soundtrack, including the Oscar-winning “White Christmas.” The two writers also scoured the Irving Berlin songbook to find several more musical gems that worked well with the plot.      

Back in 1942, composer Irving Berlin wrote the songs for a film about a Connecticut country inn that would only be open for business during the various holidays. The movie starred Bing Crosby, as Jim Hardy, a professional singer who decides to leave show business and try his luck at farming. It costarred Fred Astaire as Ted Hanover, Jim’s best friend, stage partner and famed Broadway dancer. The cast also included Marjorie Reynolds, as Jim’s new love interest, Linda Mason; and Virginia Dale, as Jim’s former fiancee and song-and-dance partner, Lila Dixon.

The Drury Lane production of this show offers Chicago audiences a chance to enjoy this affectionate show biz musical that’s filled with all kinds of holiday hit songs and flashy choreography. Who better to bring this happy, heartfelt song-and-dance show to one of Chicago’s finest theaters, but the incomparable, multitalented Matt Crowle. He creatively directs and choreographs this production in true Broadway style. Among his many other award-winning productions and performances, audiences might remember Mr. Crowle’s Jeff Awarded production of “Crazy For You” at Drury Lane. It seems that Matt Crowle has done it again!

There are two stars of this bright, perky musical. Crowle’s robust, intricate choreography that especially impresses. But it’s also the lush Irving Berlin score that absolutely charms the audience. Over time many of the songs have become classic standards, while some numbers may be unfamiliar to theatergoers, but no less delightful. They make this production hum. As the show spans an entire year of holidays, we’re treated to such classic hits as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Blue Skies,” “Heat Wave,” “It’s a Lovely Day Today,” “Shaking the Blues Away,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Easter Parade” and, of course, “White Christmas.”

The Drury Lane cast is stellar. This old-fashioned musical features a few topnotch leading actors, but relies heavily on a chorus of gifted, graceful triple-threats. They include Mandy Modic, Jessica Blair, Danielle Jackman, Ayana Strutz, Joe Capstick, Leon Evans, Edward Tolve and Arik Vega. This multitalented ensemble, who seem to effortlessly sing, dance and turn into new characters at the drop of a hat, is alone worth the price of admission. 

After a four-year absence from the theatre, one of Chicago’s favorite and most gifted performers, Adrian Aguilar, was finally persuaded to return to the stage as Jim Hardy. Much thanks goes to Matt Crowle for his persistence for urging Aguilar to take this plum role. Drury Lane audiences are the real winners here because Crowle was right: Mr. Aguilar makes an excellent Jim Hardy. This handsome, likable, extremely talented actor/singer/dancer sports a winning smile that absolutely endears him to everyone. Audiences cheer for Jim Hardy’s success, both in his romantic pursuits, as well as with his floundering New England theater. This role was made for Mr. Aguilar.   

Adriam is paired with a familiar face at Drury Lane. The star of such musicals as “Beauty and the Beast,” “White Christmas” and “Crazy for You,” the lovely and brilliantly gifted Erica Stephan plays Linda Mason. Together these two consummate professionals have perfect onstage chemistry. In hits like  “It’s a Lovely Day Today,” “Cheek to Cheek” and, of course, “White Christmas” their voices blend, caressing some of Irving Berlin’s finest harmonies. Stephan portrays a sweet, single Connecticut woman who was once a talented performer; but now she’s happily teaching school in rural Connecticut. The foreclosed property Jim Hardy has purchased is actually the farm where Miss Mason grew up, so their connection is immediate from the beginning. Together these two actors are a winning combination of talent.

Making his Drury Lane debut, handsome New York triple threat Drew Humphrey makes a playful, almost childlike Ted Hanover, the song-and-dance man who was once Jim Hardy’s performing partner. He plays his role with an eye for the ladies, particularly if they’re as nimble on their feet as he. Mr. Humphrey’s a standout in every number, but especially with the women’s ensemble in “You’re Easy to Dance With.” Statuesque firecracker, Darilyn Burtley makes her show-stopping Oakbrook debut as the gold-digging starlet-to-be, Lila Dixon. At one time, Jim Hardy’s singing partner and girlfriend, Miss Dixon has her eye trained on anyone who can further her career in show business. Living on a farm in rural Connecticut just isn’t part of her plans for the future, so she cuts ties with Hardy. She’s a standout in every number, but she particularly burns up the stage in “Heat Wave.”  

Three members of the cast, however, practically steal this production with ease. Young Nicole Scimeca is dynamic and hilarious as Charlie Winslow, one of Linda Mason’s middle school students. Her energetic presence, dry delivery of dialogue, precise comic timing and talent as a topnotch singer and dancer brought her thunderous applause opening night. This little actress is someone to watch. She alternates the role with Lily Kocourek, at certain performances.

Known for her over-the-top performances at theatres all over Chicago, as well as being new director the Mercury Theater’s Venus Cabaret, the always outstanding Honey West holds court in this production as talent agent and manager Danni Reed. Portraying a character traditionally played by male actor, Ms. West is a real dynamo in this production. She’s a tough and tenacious dame who won’t take no as an answer. Picture someone like Louella Parsons or Hedda Hopper.

But the shining star at the top of this Christmas tree is a Chicago theatrical treasure, the incomparable Danielle Davis. Ms. Davis plays Jim Hardy’s lady handy-man, Louise. Not only does Ms. Davis have her share of hilarious lines, which she delivers with polish and effervescence; but this brilliant actress is a masterclass in playing comedy and landing a laugh. Comic timing isn’t Danielle’s only forte. She’s equally thrilling as a high-belting songstress and dancer. Also making her Drury Lane debut, Ms. Davis has been seen in productions of all over Chicago. Hopefully this won’t be the last time we get to enjoy this brilliant actress’ talents at Oakbrook Terrace.

The production is beautifully enhanced by Bryce Cutler’s unbelievable creative projections. Watching the farmyard through the huge picture window, and noticing how the leaves seem to blow in the wind, audiences will thrill to the continual seasons’ change. Cutler’s work is paired perfectly with Jeffrey D.Kmiec’s elaborate and versatile scenic design, made to sparkle and glow under Lee Fiskness’ lighting. Lynda Myers has designed and created an awesome array of colorful period costumes that are the icing on the cake. Her pink and red confections are appropriately romantic for the Valentine’s Day production number. Ms. Myers’ beautiful, blithe bonnets for “Easter Parade,” her patriotic red, white and blue ensembles, for “Let’s Say It With Firecrackers/Song of Freedom,” and her sophisticated chorus costumes for New Years Eve are all magnificent and memorable.

Drury Lane’s second production, since reopening after the pandemic closure, is a warmly comforting, highly entertaining old-fashioned musical that spotlights exquisite dancing and gorgeous singing. The show features a nostalgic score by one of Tin Pan Alley’s greatest composers. Of Irving Berlin’s hundreds of well-known compositions, this warm, homey comedy is like a nostalgic ramble down memory lane, offering more than two dozen much-loved songs. As timely as mistletoe, the show begins just before Christmas and runs through every holiday during the following year. Gifted with a wonderful cast of talented performers, brilliant director and choreographer, Matt Crowle, has recreated the magic and majesty of this Broadway hit with Oakbrook’s spectacular, new Christmas musical.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 19-January 9 by the Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling (630)530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.