Review: Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn at Riverside

Review by Scott Whitmont

It's worth the journey to Parramatta's Riverside Theatre to see the new production of Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn, based on the classic 1942 film starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.

This charming musical may be simple, old-fashioned and sentimental, yet the power of Berlin's timeless melodies coupled with the talent and enthusiasm of the ensemble cast of ten, guarantees an entertaining night of song and dance for all.

The joyful mood is set with the opening number, Stepping Out with My Baby and its perfect tap dancing syncopation. Soon we meet crooner Jim Hardy (Rob Mallet) who dreams of 'Blue Skies' and a calmer farmer's life in Connecticut, no longer on the road, performing from town to town.

Settling into his new farmhouse and paying the bills, however, proves elusive. With the help of local handy-person Louise (Paige Fallu), his coterie of roadie chorus friends and his new love interest and fellow-performer Linda Mason (Mary McCorry), the farmhouse is transformed to the 'Holiday Inn'. Not dissimilar to the Field of Dreams philosophy of "build it and they will come", they are soon celebrating all the holidays with dazzling song and dance shows to local appreciative crowds.

Along the way, we are treated to the best of legendary Berlin's hits: We're Having a Heatwave, It's a Lovely Day, Easter Parade, and of course, his biggest success and everybody's favourite, White Christmas.

Music Director, Dylan Pollard and Choreographer, Veronica Beattie George ensure that the audience happily sways along grinning while mouthing the popular lyrics. It's all very '1940s' with argyl sweaters, Christmas vests and costumes and hair styles reminiscent of The Andrew Sisters (kudos to Costume Designer Brendan de la Hay).

When Jim's fickle and gold-digging ex, Lila Dixon (Paloma Renouf), who had rejected the idea of farm life, decides to give up being the performing dance partner of Jim's best friend, Ted (Max Patterson), Ted turns up the Holiday Inn deciding that Linda would be the perfect talented substitute to take her place. When he tries to lure her away to Broadway fame, Jim's new ideal life is threatened and the drama ensues - threatening both the future of the Inn and Jim's love life.

Of course, it's all very light-hearted and no one doubts there will be a 'Dancing Cheek to Cheek', happily-ever-after-ending - as there was in all Hollywood musicals.

Director Sally Dashwood expertly brings the iconic songs to life, providing high doses of charm and humour. Along with the obvious vocal/dancing talents and charisma of the key cast, the impressive support ensemble (Molly Bugeja, Matt Hourigan, Nicky Markovic, Jaime Reisin and Zohra Bednarz) simply shine.

In these difficult times when political and economic concerns have many avoiding watching the news lest they be thrust into the depths of depression and worry, Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn is a most welcome antidote and refreshing distraction. Bravo.

Image Credit: Robert Catto