Drury Lane's taptastic 'Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn' serves up seasonal cheer

Posted December 03, 2021 12:00 pm

Jim (Adrian Aguilar), right, plays a retired hoofer who - with help from local schoolteacher Linda (Erica Stephan) - opens a Connecticut inn open only on holidays in “Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn,” running through Jan. 9 at Drury Lane Theatre. Courtesy of Brett Beiner

“Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn” - ★ ★ ★

Like the 1942 film that inspired it, “Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn,” which premiered on Broadway five years ago, is a quaint, jukebox tuner whose appeal rests with its greatest-hits score and its exuberant production numbers.

For proof, look no further than Drury Lane Theatre's taptastic revival directed and choreographed by the great Matt Crowle, who fully understands why the wholesome “Holiday Inn” is the right musical for right now.

Adrian Aguilar, center, came out of retirement to star in Drury Lane Theatre's revival of the frothy jukebox tuner "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn." Courtesy of Brett Beiner

In his program note, Crowle references the COVID-19 pandemic and how the resumption of live theater can buck up dispirited audiences. He writes: “sometimes the remedy to what ails you is as simple as tapping your toes and humming along to a tune that's been cheering up weary souls for generations.”

That's the function of the 1946-set “Holiday Inn,” where Berlin favorites “Steppin' Out With My Baby,” “Blue Skies,” “Cheek to Cheek” and the enduring “White Christmas” make up for a hokey plot. Making this confection that much sweeter are its production numbers - whose exuberant, old-school choreography recalls musical theater's golden age - and its talented cast led by the affable, effortlessly graceful Adrian Aguilar.

Danielle Davis, left, plays Louise, the handywoman who helps newly retired crooner Jim (Adrian Aguilar) run his recently acquired Connecticut farm in Drury Lane Theatre's "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn." Courtesy of Brett Beiner

Crowle coaxed Aguilar out of retirement to play the role of crooner Jim - one third of a song-and-dance act - who decides after years on the road to retire from show biz and live quietly on a Connecticut farm. This comes as a surprise to his partners - girlfriend Lila (Darilyn Burtley) and best friend Ted (Drew Humphrey, a fine dancer) - neither of whom are inclined to exit the stage. They continue performing while Jim retreats to the farm. There he meets “fix-it woman” Louise (the dynamic Danielle Davis) and onetime aspiring-singer-turned-schoolteacher Linda (Erica Stephan) whose family lost the farm to foreclosure. Facing the same fate, Jim agrees to Louise's suggestion to transform the farmhouse into an inn open only on holidays, with Linda and his fellow singer/dancers providing the entertainment. His venture and his budding romance with Linda are upended by Ted, who having been abandoned by Lila, returns in search of a new female partner and sets his sights on Linda.

Darilyn Burtley, left, and Drew Humphrey, second from left, play members of a song-and-dance trio who strike out on their own in Drury Lane Theatre's revival of "Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn" helmed by director/choreographer Matt Crowle. Courtesy of Brett Beiner

Aguilar and Stephan make a charming duo. Moreover, Crowle's small but mighty ensemble is comprised of top-flight tap-dancing singers evidenced by the joyful “Shaking the Blues Away” and Humphrey's superb “Let's Say It With Firecrackers.” The latter includes a duet with Nicole Scimeca, who alternates with Lily Kocourek in the role of Charlie, a precocious youngster whose sole purpose is to remind Jim of his increasingly dire financial situation.

Ultimately, Drury Lane's “Holiday Inn” delivers what Crowle promises: Holiday cheer in cozy Technicolor, just when we need it most.

Location: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 530-0111, drurylanetheatre.com

Showtimes: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday; 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 9

Tickets: $59-$74 with dinner-theater packages available

Running time: About 2 hours, 10 minutes, including intermission

Parking: In the lot

Rating: For all ages

COVID-19 precautions: Patrons must wear masks except when eating or drinking

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