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Rosary and Marmion join to put on 'White Christmas'

Submitted by Rosary High School

There may not be snow on the ground, but you can escape in to the world of a “White Christmas” this weekend when Rosary High School and Marmion Academy join forces to stage the musical.

Based on the 1954 film “White Christmas,” the musical features 17 Irving Berlin songs. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at Rosary High School in Aurora.

The production is directed by Kristin Voris; assistant directors are Julianne Vickers and John Salomone.

The cast includes more than 40 students from Rosary and Marmion. Music is provided by the Rosary Symphony Orchestra, with additional musicians from the Marmion-Rosary Band.

Tickets cost $10, $8 and are available online at rosaryhs.com/musical.

Director Kristin Voris answered a few questions about the production.

Q. What is “White Christmas” about?

Kristin Voris. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander.

The score features well known standards, including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial favorite “White Christmas.”

Q. What have been the biggest challenges in putting on this production?

Voris. All productions have the challenge of working to coordinate the efforts and talents of acting, orchestra, costumes, props, lights, sound, and set. The rehearsals leading up to the show are about putting all of these separate but equally important components together. And, of course, large cast tap numbers always have their challenges.

Q. What has been the most rewarding?

Voris. It will be rewarding to watch the opening night show when all of the components come together, and to see the look of pride on the faces of everyone who worked hard to make the show what it is. Seeing hard work and effort pay off is always rewarding.

Q. What do you think will be the audience's favorite part of the show?

Voris. I believe the audience will fall in love with the young girl who plays Susan Waverly (Skylar McClure), while being impressed by the singing and acting talents of Betty Hanes, Bob Wallace, and Martha Watson (played by Sara Caligiuri, John Thornton and Lea Wantuch, respectively) and the dancing of Judy Haynes and Phil Davis (played by Rebekah Goering and Stuart Kofron, respectively).

Q. Is the show family-friendly?

Voris. This show is appropriate for all ages.

Leads Sara Caligiuri and Rebekah Goering portray Betty and Judy Haynes in the Marmion Academy/Rosary High School production of “White Christmas.” Courtesy of Rosary High School
Melody FisherLewek, Brian Winkel and Emily Burback rehearse a number from “White Christmas,” which will be staged this weekend at Rosary High School in Aurora. Behind them is Taylor James. The girls are members of the ensemble, and Brian Winkel plays Ralph Sheldrake. Courtesy of Rosary High School

If you go

What: Rosary High School and Marmion Academy present the musical “White Christmas”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2

Where: Rosary High School's McEnroe Auditorium, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora

Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors

Info: <a href="http://rosaryhs.com/musical">rosaryhs.com/musical</a> or (630) 896-0831

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