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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Cherryville Little Theatre will present Irving Berlin's "White Christmas: The Musical" on Dec. 5-7, bringing the beloved 1954 film to life with a cast of more than 20 local performers.
The production marks one of the theater's largest shows in recent seasons, featuring a mix of experienced actors and high school students from Cherryville.
Director and music director Sarah Bradley submitted her proposal to direct the show specifically because of her love for the original film.
Director and music director Sarah Bradley working- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
"It is one of my all-time favorite movies," Bradley said. "When I learned that it had a stage production version, I wanted to put in to direct that."
Bradley, who hasn't directed since college, also runs sound for the production. The show uses tracks instead of a live orchestra due to space limitations at the theater.
The musical follows World War II veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who create a successful song-and-dance act after the war. They meet singing sisters Betty and Judy Haynes and, with romance on their minds, follow them to a Vermont lodge where the sisters are scheduled to perform a Christmas show.
Kaleb Vilorio and Olivia Hodges rehearsing a scene- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
The lodge turns out to be owned by Wallace and Davis's former Army commander, who has fallen on hard times. The four team up to put on a Christmas spectacular to save the inn.
All choreography in the production is original, created by Angie Dolan, president of the theater's board and experienced dance teacher, along with Joey Hollenbeck, who contributed couple dancing and jazz-style numbers.
Kaleb Vilorio and Olivia Hodges practicing a dance- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
The iconic "Sisters" number, one of the most memorable scenes from the original film, receives special attention in the stage adaptation.
"We've taken from the movie and other stage productions of this particular show and kind of created our own choreography," Bradley said. "It's a great way to kind of make it our own, but still pay homage to the original that everybody loves."
Kaleb Vilorio and Olivia Hodges practicing a dance- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Dolan offered six-week tap classes before auditions to help cast members prepare for the show's demanding dance numbers.
The production features Wyatt Wilson as Bob Wallace, Kaleb Vilorio as Phil Davis, and Lucas Halsten as Mike Nulty, the grouchy stage manager. Chloe Davis plays multiple roles, including Ralph Sheldrake, one of the Army buddies.
Chloe Davis during our interview- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Wilson, who graduated from high school in Cherryville, said the role represents a departure from his usual comedic parts. "It's probably one of the more or the most serious roles that I've played," Wilson said. "Bob is definitely a more serious character."
Wyatt Wilson during our interview- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Vilorio said the production has increased his enthusiasm for theater. "If future plays are going to be like this, I want to do this every day," he said.
Kaleb Vilorio during our interview- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
The production entered technical rehearsals this week, incorporating lighting, sound, costumes, and set pieces into the performances. Bradley said her experienced cast adapted well to the added elements.
Wyatt Wilson rehearsing a scene- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Davis built a miniature grand piano as a set piece for the "I Love a Piano" number, constructing it from plywood and reinforcing it to support a performer in tap shoes.
The show required extensive rehearsal time, with cast members noting that roughly half of the rehearsal period was spent learning music and choreography before blocking scenes.
Kaleb Vilorio and Olivia Hodges rehearsing a scene- Tech Week Day 2 - Cherryville Little Theatre - Irving Berlin's White Christmas - December 2nd, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Evening shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6. Matinee performances will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. Intermission at Friday's show will feature an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door before each performance. For more information, visit Cherryville Little Theatre's website.
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