This HOLIDAY INN is a revival of the 2016 Broadway stage adaptation of the much loved 1942 Hollywood film starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge.
It felt good to be transported back to a much earlier, less complicated and cynical time. The story is set in 1946 America. It is intricately plotted with the main plot following Jim Hardy’s journey. The back story is that Jim is a New York performer who has been channelling his efforts for a long time in to becoming a star along with his partner Lila Dixon.
The musical starts with Jim having made a big decision, a major fork in the road. He has ditched his plans for glory in Hollywood for a simpler life, and has bought a country estate in Connecticut. He proposes marriage to Lila, sure in the belief that she will join him.
Things take a tumble for Jim when Lila rebuffs him. She still has those stars in her eyes and goes off on a double act tour with their friend Ted. Jim summons up his courage and moves to the country. One door closes and another door opens…
Director Sally Dashwood has cast well. They shone, each triple threats. There is so much talent in this city.
Nigel Huckle as brave Jim and Mary McCorry as wholesome Linda played the romantic leads, they looked the part, and sang sweetly.
Jacob Steen is convincing as the charismatic, womanising Ted. Ted has tunnel vision. All his energy goes in to becoming a Hollywood star, and he will do anything to get there, including stealing Jim’s women,
Talented Filipina-Australian performer Emma Feliciano gives a radiant performance as Lila.
Matt Hourigan gives a great comic performance as the super pushy NY producer Danny who has Ted amongst his clients. His flamboyant attire fitted his role perfectly.
Paige Fallu gave a fun, quirky very appealing performance as the lovely natured Louise, introduced to Jim by Linda. She moves in to Jim’s home and becomes Jim’s go to person and organiser.
As vibrant, young New York performers, and as the ensemble, Niky Markovic plays Charlie, Chloe Marshall plays Daphne, and Jamie Reisen plays Stanley
The cast were backed by a fine troupe of musicians; Jack Schwenke on bass, Lachlan Day on trumpet, Jonas Tay on drums, and joint Music Directors, Dylan Pollard on keyboard and Abi McCunn on reeds and orchestrations.
The show was filled with memorable Irving Berlin tunes. Many involved dancing which the cast joyfully performed. My favourite was the cast’s performance of ‘Blue Skies’ which was performed at a super fast tempo which was surprising and great fun.
Berlin’s most popular tune ‘White Christmas’, made famous by Bing Crosby, had two very emotional renditions. In the first, Jim, on piano and singing, plays Linda his new tune, with which Linda falls in love with, and the next time we hear it, Ted is playing the piano, and insists on Linda accompanying him, which brings her to tears.
Sally Dashwood directs with a sure touch, and her creative team brought a lot to make the night special.
Set designer Bell Rose Salteam’s used plenty of theatrical shorthand to shift audiences between locations.
Veronique Beattie George’s effusive, expansive choreography heightened the narrative.
Brendan de la Hoy’s costumes were bold, bright and striking, with performers dressed in different costumes depending on which of the four holidays was being celebrated.
Emma-Jade Dwyer covered the sound, and Veronique Benett the lighting.
Book in to the Holiday Inn whilst you can still can get it in.
A Well Done Creatives in association with the Hayes Theatre Co production, Irving Berlin’s HOLIDAY INN is playing the Hayes Theatre until the 22nd December 2024.
Production photography by Robert Catto
