The Broadway musical based on the ’50s-era Bing Crosby song-and-dance flick returns today in what director Kent Thompson thinks is an improved version of what was already a big hit here in 2007. Along with its smile-inducing retro vibe, the show will look brighter and shinier, with an influx of new costumes, renovated sets, a 22-piece live orchestra and a veteran cast that can do just about anything. But even without the improvements, White Christmas represents the kind of theater experience we don't often get to have in the 21st century: "It's a major book musical from the 1950s,” Thompson explains. “These days, not many of us get to see many tap numbers as exciting as 'I Love a Piano' or the Ed Sullivan number, 'Happy Holiday.'"
Start dreaming of that white Christmas, and prepare to bring the family (but no members under five). White Christmas opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Buell, in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, and continues through Christmas Eve. Tickets start at $25; visit the Denver Center box office online at www.denvercenter.orgfor showtimes and reservations, or call 303-893-4100.
Fri., Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m.; Tue., Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m.; Fri., Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 2, 1:30 p.m.; Tue., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 8, 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 9, 1:30 p.m.; Tue., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 15, 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 16, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.; Tue., Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 22, 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 23, 1:30 p.m.; Mon., Dec. 24, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m., 2012