McAuley Presents 'White Christmas' Based On Classic 1954 Movie

CHICAGO, IL -- Mother McAuley students will kick off the holiday season with the timeless classic “White Christmas,” featuring 17 blockbuster hits by Irving Berlin. The musical based on the 1954 film will be performed Nov. 15, 16, 17 and 18 at the school. A special performance for senior citizens will take place on Nov. 14.

Generations of film lovers throughout the world cite “White Christmas” as their favorite holiday movie, starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye and Vera Allen. Based on the popular holiday film of the same name, the musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Army veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. They follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former Army commander. The score features well-known standards including Blue Skies, I Love a Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the well-known, White Christmas.

“We were drawn toward this show because we really wanted a period piece that would be something that people would enjoy seeing with their whole family,” said musical director Julie Wogan McKee ‘93. “The timing is perfect because it's a heartwarming story and a great way to kick off the holiday season. While the production is based on the 1954 film, it has even more musical numbers, while still featuring all of the favorites.”

The show is double cast and features students from McAuley, Brother Rice St. Rita and Marist high schools. The lead parts are performed by: Maggie Reed ’20 (Palos Park) and Kiley Melean ’19 (Mt. Greenwood) in the role of Betty; Mary Helen Hennessey ’20 (Beverly) and Madelyn Brandel ’20 (Mt. Greenwood) as Judy; Benjamin Alifantis (Benet Academy) and Jimmy Lynch (Marist) as Bob; and Patrick Foertsch (Br. Rice) and Josh Moyar (Br. Rice) in the role of Phil; Joe Case (Br. Rice) and Sam Macander (St. Rita) as General Waverly, and Ally Riordan ’19 (Oak Lawn) and Lindsay Janicki ’19 (Mt. Greenwood) as Martha. Rounding out the remaining roles and the ensemble of singers and dancers are more than 100 student performers.

“White Christmas was a completely new experience for me. I’ve never been a part of such a ‘classic’ type of show," said Kiley Melean ’19, who plays the role of Betty. “The theatre department at Mother McAuley allowed me to burst out of my bubble. Participating in the fall musical every year gave me a new confidence I never felt before. It allowed me to find my passion. Now, I have the ability to perform solos in front of sold out crowds.”

Tickets cost $15 and are available for purchase online at Mother McAuley and at the door if available. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, with an afternoon matinee at 3 p.m. Nov. 18. A special performance for senior citizens will take place at noon Nov. 14. Discounted tickets for this performance cost $5 and may be purchased at the door.

Audience members are also asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to the St. Blase food pantry. Requested donations include canned vegetables and fruits, juices, pasta, peanut butter, rice, cereal and other shelf stable items. The St. Blase food pantry services Lemont, Willow Springs, Justice, Summit, Argo, Bridgeview, Hometown, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, the Palos and Orland areas and others southern suburbs.

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