Becker High School’s White Christmas musical was a festival for the ears and eyes as the play ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the PAC. Joe Rand was once again the director and choreographer for the production that featured scenes somewhere in Europe in 1944. The production included many famous songs from the Era such as Happy Holiday, Let Me Sing and I’m Happy and, of course, the title song.
The Becker drama students were remarkable in their presentations, especially the headliners. The sets and props, costumes and music were top-notch and well-received.
The play opened somewhere on the Western Front of WWII on Christmas Eve in 1944. Blake Paulson played Bob Wallace and William Schendel played Phil Davis — who in the movie version were played by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
Paulson and Schendel displayed great chemistry and were exemplary in their singing and comedic timing. Wallace was a born leader but had some social and romantic awkwardness — making him endearing to the audience.
Davis was fun-loving and goofy with a boyish charm and self-confidence. He had a heart for his friends and was willing to do just about anything to make people happy.
Sam Pounds and Grace Jacobson played the Haynes sisters — Betty and Judy — and they too, were exceptional in their roles. Jacobson played the warmer sister who immediately hits it off withe Schendel’s character while Pounds and Paulson exchange awkward moments leading to an argument and sour feelings. Betty was like the “parent” to Judy and was always looking out for her best interests.
Judy was spunky, had sex appeal and was a bit of a schemer. Her devotion to her sister proved she had a good heart and a strong ambition.
The play moves to scenes from after the war when Phil and Bob begin to “make it big” in nightclubs and on Broadway. They eventually end up at a lodge where their old commanding officer, General Waverly — played by Evan Schafer — runs a variety show. With no snow on the ground and none forecast, the General is desperate for a good show to bring customers back.
Over the course of some lies, rejection and a hasty departure, the foursome is split up. Paulson’s character decides to travel to New York to reunite with Betty and after she warms up to him, the group reunites and returns to Vermont. It is there that they put on a superb variety show to guests just as the white stuff begins falling from the sky.
Rand’s ensemble and extras tackled their roles with zest and vigor and their enjoyment of the process was well evident upon their faces during the dramatic parts as well as the singing parts.
Gretchen Bordson’s direction of the orchestra was remarkable as the music became a secondary character to the play and infused colorful purpose.
Grace Klapak as Martha Watson, was at her comedic genius as she kept the crowd rolling with laughter in just about every scene she was in. Martha was the lodge’s housekeeper with a larger-than-life persona. Klapak stayed ever-so-true to her character — even away from the main scenes — as she carried the heavy (yet empty) suitcases from the stage to behind the curtain.
Larissa Tolefson played the General’s daughter and she brought charm and poise for a 9-11-year-old girl who was wise beyond her years. She represented the child’s perspective in the show.
Ian Kimmerle as lo brought comedic relief to the production as he boisterously snored in loud fashion as he dozed on the train.
The rest of the main cast included Rhiley Larson as Ralph Sheldrake, Michelle Johnson as Rita, Emma Tweten as Rhoda, Jarrod Favilla as Ezekial Foster, Nathaniel Hed as Mike, Mary Goenner as Tessie, Brendan Potter as Jimmy, Kaitlyn Woehrle as the cigarette girl, Sierra Vilmo as Mrs. Snoring Man, Carter Aanenson as the train conductor, Alli Schmidt as the dance captain, Liz Moeller as the seamstress and Amber Vogl as the assistant seamstress.
The ensemble included Kyle Applen, Christopher Cantin, Ellie Christensen, Cole Cook, Devynn Cox, Alexis Drehmel, Lexi Drehmel, Belinda Edling, Mariana Frasson, Victoria Gibson, Gretchen Graftaas, Abbie Halvorson, Wyatt Hiltner, Emma Kolbinger, Kaelyn Lombard, Ella Nettestad, Brynn O’Connor, Bella Pettit, Faith Potter, Maci Salvevold, Connor Schafer, Grace Schendel, Annabelle Schmidt, Katelynn Struffert and Aria Webster.
The orchestra included Diana Bellfeuille, Shelly Clemen, Matt Clemen, Aaron Gregory, Maria Hed, Kenny Meyer, Gretchen Roe, Mike Roe, Anthony Schwartzkopf and Austin Seavert.
The tech crew included Kaitlin Buschmann, Kendra Gorman, Evan Girtz, Bailey Klinker, Samantha Larson, Hunter Malisheski, Ashton McCarty, Kayla Nelson, Kole Overby, Micah Roetman, Holly Rowland, Abigael Sarzin, Carter Schuster, Hayley Severson, Marshall Steffens, Sami Stellmach, Amelia Suhsen, Emily Sulliban, Nicolas Verwey, Claire Voigt and Perrin Weller.
The production team included Joe Rand (director & choreographer), Gretchen Bordson (music director), Rich Kimmerle (tech director/designer), Celest Trosvig (costume designer), Greg Lynch (lighting and sound designer), Carolyn Lyon (student director), Rachel Eisenreich (assistant student director) and Bridget Buchholz (assistant choreographer).
Special thanks goes to Dave Niemi, Jessie O’Neil and the high school activities office, Michelle Peacock, Jen Edling and Becker Community Ed, Becker Drama Boosters, Becker HS custodial staff, Tim Buchholz, Shane Webster, Lynn Isaacson, Theresa Sieg, Great Theater, AllieMarie Design, Elk River FedEx Kinkos and Rachel Kimmerle.
