Full of dancing and familiar tunes, Pennsylvania Playhouses "Holiday Inn" brings back the nostalgia of another time when everyone just wanted to "put on a show."
The Irving Berlin musical based on the classic 1942 film of the same name is at the Bethlehem theater through Dec. 18.
Micah Henning is amiable and likable as song and dance man Jim Hardy who has decided to leave behind show business and settle down on a farm in Connecticut. Henning has a crooner-style voice thatworks great on songs like "Its a Lovely Day Today," "Blue Skies," "Happy Holidays" and "Be Careful, Its My Heart."
As his parther Ted Hanover, Trevor Colahan is the dance half of the former song and dance act and does a mean tap on songs like "Stepping Out With My Baby" and "Plenty to Be Thankful For." Colahan makes Ted a bit of a schemer but proves to have his heart in the right place in the end.
Jenny Taylor is sizzling as the ambitious Lila Dixon and lends her brassy vocals and steamy dancing to "Heat Wave," among other songs.
Elizabeth Marsh-Gilkeson is adorable as Linda Mason, the shy but spirited schoolteacher Jim falls for in Connecticut. Marsh-Gilkesons Linda is a bit hesitant but spunky and displays her powerful belt on songs like "Nothing More to Say" and "Marching Along with Time." She and Henning duet nicely on songs like "Lets Take an Old-Fashioned Walk" and "White Christmas." When Jim decides to turn the farmhouse into "Holiday Inn" where shows are staged on every holiday from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July, Linda reluctantly agrees to perform.
Adding the element of comedy is Denise Longs humorous take on the Inns handwoman Louise. She makes Louise a bundle of energy who brightens the stage every time she appears.
A young Liam Griffith is entertaining as Charlie, the precocious errand boy from the bank who always arrives with bad news.
A dancing and singing ensemble of 20 performers do well with choreography by Jennifer Dorn, with a "Victor/Victoria"-style surprise at the end.
Lush costumes and numerous costume changes set the mood, particularly the impressive bonnets in "Easter Parade."
Brett Oliveiras clever set creates the many clubs in which the characters perform and then opens up to reveal Jims farm.
Director Rody Gilkeson keeps the pacing brisk and the stage full of energy.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 16, and 17; and 3 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for seniors.
For information, call 610-865-6665, or go to www.paplayhouse.org.