Holiday Inn: The New Irving Berlin Musical - Live on Broadway (2017)

Holiday Inn: The New Irving Berlin Musical - Live on Broadway Poster

Jim leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut… but life just isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love?

Overview
"Holiday Inn: The New Irving Berlin Musical - Live on Broadway" is a stunning Broadway spectacle that showcases the classic music of Irving Berlin. Premiered in 2017, the musical is based upon the 1942 film "Holiday Inn" and includes a skilled ensemble that revives Berlin's classics. Directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Denis Jones, the Broadway adaptation catches the enjoyment and beauty of the original film with a modern-day touch.

Plot and Characters
The story focuses on Jim Hardy, played by Bryce Pinkham, a tired New York performer who deserts his city life to discover solace in a rundown Connecticut farm. He transforms the farm into a dynamic inn, 'Holiday Inn', open only on holidays. Other considerable characters consist of Linda Mason, a school teacher with a concealed skill for singing acted by Lora Lee Gayer, and Jim's lighthearted friend, Ted Hanover, depicted by Corbin Bleu. The inn ends up being the phase for a series of vibrant efficiencies, with each vacation bringing its own distinct musical number.

Music and Performances
Irving Berlin's famous compositions lie at the core of "Holiday Inn". The music numbers such as "White Christmas", "Easter Parade", and "Cheek to Cheek" are reimagined in fresh, sophisticated choreographies. The stars provide impressive performances, with Gayer's awesome vocals and Bleu's electrifying tap dancing as impressive highlights. Pinkham brings a deft comic touch to his character and mesmerizes the audience with his rendition of the traditional tunes.

Production and Direction
The production of "Holiday Inn: The New Irving Berlin Musical - Live on Broadway" is an artistry in itself, a perfect mix of old-time fond memories and modern Broadway sophistication. It includes jaw-dropping choreographies and sensational outfit style by Alejo Vietti, with each costume meticulously crafted to include appeal to the festive-themed performances. The set design by Anna Louizos creates an immersive environment that transfers the audience directly to the 1940s, total with a picturesque snow-capped inn and a flashy New York bar.

Gordon Greenberg's instructions perfectly manages these parts into a cohesive and extremely entertaining production. He makes sure the spirit of Berlin's 1940s musical is protected while instilling it with a modern design that attract a broad audience - hence bringing the conventional musical into the 21st century.

Effect and Reception
"Holiday Inn: The New Irving Berlin Musical - Live on Broadway" appealed to audiences and critics alike with its classic music, bewitching story, and star efficiencies. It effectively brought Berlin's music to a brand-new generation, while stimulating nostalgia among those knowledgeable about the original film. Critics lauded the Broadway version for its exhilarating performances and extremely creative production, making it a remarkable musical that delivers laughter, romance, and high-energy dance numbers.

To sum it up, "Holiday Inn: The New Irving Berlin Musical - Live on Broadway" is a Broadway blockbuster that catches the magic of Irving Berlin's music and the heartfelt story of the original "Holiday Inn", while including its own modern-day spin. With its magnificent efficiencies, rich set and outfit styles, and magnificently choreographed musical numbers, the musical is a tribute to the golden age of Broadway, offering a heartfelt and entertaining experience for the audience.

Top Cast

  • Bryce Pinkham (small)
    Bryce Pinkham
    Jim Hardy
  • Corbin Bleu (small)
    Corbin Bleu
    Ted Hanover
  • Megan Sikora (small)
    Megan Sikora
    Lila Dixon
  • Morgan Gao (small)
    Morgan Gao
    Charlie Winslow
  • Lora Lee Gayer
    Linda Mason
  • Megan Lawrence
    Louise
  • Darien Crago
    Ensemble
  • Shina Ann Morris (small)
    Shina Ann Morris
    Ensemble
  • Catherine Ricafort
  • Amanda Rose
    Ensemble