Music on Stage's White Christmas Supports our Veterans Through OPERATION SNOWFLAKE
Music on Stage, now in its 57th season, presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas.
Back by popular demand, White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, who find their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including Count Your Blessings, Happy Holiday, Sisters, Blue Skies, and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin's White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!
While White Christmas is a show business love story, it is also the story of two soldiers who will do anything to prove their respect and admiration for their former General and all that he stands for. Veterans are at the heart of this tune-filled, toe-tapping musical.
Music on Stage will hold a fundraiser called OPERATION SNOWFLAKE in conjunction with the show. All who wish to participate can purchase a snowflake that will be displayed with their name in the lobby of our theatre during each of the four performances. Donors will also receive a special mention in our playbill. Snowflakes can be purchased for $20 through the Music on Stage website at www.musiconstage.com.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for their sacrifices. Honor Flight transports our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans - World War II survivors, along with other veterans who may be terminally ill. Of all the wars in recent memory, it was World War II that truly threatened our very existence as a nation - and this is our chance to express our thanks to the brave men and women that served.
A portion of the proceeds will also go to Operation Troop Aid, a non-profit organization that provides care packages for U.S. Service members, letting them know that Americans stand with them and that we salute them and their bravery to protect our country.
Irving Berlin's White Christmas stars Music on Stage veterans Tony Calzaretta of Schaumburg as Bob Wallace, David Geinosky of Elk Grove as Phil Davis, Peggy Lyons of Streamwood as Betty Haynes, Jenny Calzaretta of Schaumburg as Judy Haynes and Karen Peterson of Rolling Meadows as Martha Watson.
Relative newcomer to Music on Stage, Rick Burd of Palatine plays General Henry Waverly, a role he is reprising from MOS' 2013 production. Director/Choreographer Frank Roberts of Schiller Park says "When Rick was cast in the role, he asked if he could appear in the finale of the show in his deceased father's World War II dress uniform, which fit him perfectly, and I immediately said 'yes'. What a tribute to our men and women who have served and continue to serve our country."
White Christmas is musically directed by another Music on Stage veteran, Ann Stewart of Barrington, who has directed over 60 musicals for the group. Ann sits on the Board of Directors and serves as the company Treasurer.
The cast also features Brett Baleskie (Naperville), Kathy Blaheta (Palatine), Barry Blodgett (Cary), Tyler Callahan (Barrington), Krist Neumann (Rolling Meadows), JoEllyn Romano (Elmhurst), Christine Shelton (Barrington), Annie Snow (Chicago), Mark Stickney (Berwyn), Jim Sullivan (Rolling Meadows) and Delaney Wittlich (Algonquin).
White Christmas will play for one weekend only at the Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center in Palatine, IL, located at 150 East Wood Street on Friday December 19th @ 8:00 pm, Saturday December 20th @ 2:30 pm & 8:00 pm and Sunday December 21st @ 3:00 pm. For tickets go to www.cuttinghall.org