By Jennifer R Jones | Posted on September 02, 2016 7:21 PM
Bryce Pinkham Stars As Jim In Holiday Inn The New Irving Berlin Musical Based On The 1942 Film In A New Theatrical Musical Adaptation.
Broadway Transfer Following Goodspeed Opera House Premiere
On September 19, 2014, Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut premiered the theatrical adaptation of the 1942 film Holiday Inn, which has music composed by the great American songwriter Irving Berlin.
The year prior, Universal Stage Productions, the theatre wing associated with Universal Pictures which owns the rights to the film, invited Goodspeed Musicals, the non-profit organization operating out of Goodspeed Opera House, the chance to develop the stage adaptation.
Irving Berlin's Long And Successful Career
The stage musical has a book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge, and is directed by Greenberg, using Irving Berlin music and lyrics from both the films Holiday Inn and White Christmas. Over the course of his long and successful career, Irving Berlin composed many musicals and films.
In addition, he holds the honor of having written the National Anthem, “God Bless America.” His Broadway composing credits include Ziegfeld Follies of 1910, Watch Your Step, Stop! Look! Listen!, The Century Girl, and more recently, Come Fly Away, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life. However, until now, the film Holiday Inn had not been conceived for the stage.
Roundabout Theatre Company Brings “Holiday Inn” To Broadway
The Broadway production began previews on September 1, 2016 at Studio 54 in a Roundabout Theatre Company production. It is the story of Jim, a former performer, who leaves city living to settle in a farmhouse in Connecticut. Although he soon misses the glitz of show business, he finds the glamour he seeks in the form of Linda, a talented schoolteacher.
Together they transform his house into an inn with performances on every holiday from the Fourth of July to Thanksgiving. The controversy arises when Jim’s pal Ted tries to seduce Linda away to Hollywood.
Features Timeless Classic Songs
The classic and fun-loving tale is accompanied by timeless songs such as “Cheek to Cheek,” “Blue Skies,” “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Heatwave,” “Easter Parade,” and “Shaking the Blues Away.” The role of Jim Hardy is played by Bryce Pinkham, whose previous credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, and The Heidi Chronicles.
The role of Linda Mason is played by Lora Lee Gayer, who has appeared previously on Broadway in Doctor Zhivago and Follies. Other cast members include Corbin Bleu in the role of Ted Hanover, Megan Lawrence in the role of Louise, Megan Sikora in the role of Lila Dixon, Lee Wilkof in the role of Danny, and Morgan Gao in the role of Charlie Winslow, along with an excellent ensemble.
A Limited Engagement To Play Until January 1, 2017
Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical is intended to appeal to the entire family, but particularly the generations who remember growing up with Berlin’s music. Unlike some of the darker fare on Broadway, Holiday Inn is meant to be a burst of careless happiness, nostalgia, and joy.
With Bryce Pinkham inhabiting the role debuted on the screen by Bing Crosby, many people will enjoy seeing this story recreated for the stage. With choreography by Denis Jones (Honeymoon in Vegas, Legally Blonde), the show is sure to bring joy and blissful singalong pleasure to those who are familiar with the songs, as well as to any of those who have never heard them before. The official opening night will take place on October 6, 2016, with a limited engagement schedule to run until January 1, 2017.
