'Christmas' comes early at Marriott Lincolnshire

Attribute the expression of goodwill to director/choreographer Marc Robin's dynamic and, at times, heartfelt revival, which happily surpasses the unimpressive production that played Chicago's Bank of America Theatre last December as part of a national tour. If that show drove audiences back to the source #8212; the 1954 film musical starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Allen #8212; Marriott's version may get them off the couch and into the theater.

The show's appeal rests with Irving Berlin's swinging score featuring the classic title tune along with gems like #8220;Blue Skies,#8221; #8220;Sisters#8221; and #8220;Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.#8221; If music is the show's keystone, the corny book by David Ives and Paul Blake is its weak link. (For the record, Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank wrote the screenplay.) Robin and music director Michael Mahler make up for it with a fine orchestra (led by conductor Patti Garwood), a top-flight ensemble and Robin's distinctive, always-fresh dance numbers. Among them is the showstopping Act II opener, #8220;I Love a Piano#8221; featuring a terrific tap-off led by Andrew Lupp and Tammy Mader, a dazzling duo who in this show emerge as Marriott's answer to Fred and Ginger. Also earning kudos is the irresistible #8220;Blue Skies#8221; #8212; the glorious, bass- and brass-infused production number that concludes Act 1.

The show centers on a pair of World War II army buddies Phil Davis (the disarming Lupp) and Bob Wallace (Rod Thomas, every bit a 1950s crooner) who find postwar success as a song-and-dance duo. Searching for an act for their upcoming show, they meet singing siblings Judy (Mader) and Betty Haynes (Stephanie Binetti, whose robust lower register is the vocal equivalent of a lush red wine).

Romance quickly blossoms between Phil and Judy, while the wary Bob and Betty proceed more cautiously. Seeds sown, the quartet travels to the Vermont inn where Judy and Betty are scheduled to perform during the holidays. Upon arrival, they discover the hotel is owned by Phil and Bob's retired commander, General Henry Waverly (David Lively, touching as an aging soldier). He runs the inn with help from a wisecracking former vaudeville performer named Martha Watson, played by the redoubtable Alene Robertson, who delivers one perfectly timed comic aside after another.

When they learn that unseasonably warm weather has left the inn without guests and Waverly near bankruptcy, Phil and Bob decide to put on a show to help their buddy out. They do so while managing their own romantic affairs, the outcome of which is never in doubt.

Deserving mention is Thomas M. Ryan's appropriately festive set, accented with wreaths and garland and holiday lights, and Nancy Missimi's typically gorgeous costumes.

All together, #8220;White Christmas#8221; makes for a delightful preholiday treat.