When White Christmas opens, the setting is somewhere on the Western Front of World War II, Christmas Eve, 1944. General Bob Wallace (Chase Banton and Turner Queen) and Captain Phil Davis (Ben Nadler) are serenading the troops, attempting to boost the morale. The next scene jumps to 1954, post-war. Having left the Army following WWII, the two vets team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters, Betty Haynes (Maggie Connors and Carly DeCock) and Judy Haynes (Emily Delulius and Sarah Rubino) who happen to also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly (Mor Shimshi and Phil Warmbein), is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General.

 

Providing overall guidance to the 200+ student company and Theatre Angels (adult volunteers) are Coordinating Producer Jane Dodd, Producing Artistic Director Tom Hunsberger, Technical Producer Michael Binkley, Drama Director J.R. Hall, Choral/Vocal Director Lorraine Milovac, Music Director Don Pickell, and Choreographers Shari Opfermann and Katie Boyle, along with the extraordinary talent, hard work, and dedication of Musical Technical Director Terry Willard, Stage Manager Chuck Dodd, Scenery Painting Director Mary Beth Werner, Costume Designer Jessica Kavanagh, Hair and Make-up Artist Debi Blazek, Set Carpenter Brian Butler, Program/Advertising Coordinator Sara Payo, and Box Office Coordinator Joyce Vance.

 

For every adult position, there is at least one student “running the show” behind-the-scenes. The leadership team includes Student Director Alexa Rieger, Rehearsal Assistants Amanda Mittleman, Allie Ryave, and Anna Waters, Student Producer Zachary Heckler, Assistant Student Producer Mia Taylor, Costume Designers Elizabeth McDonough and Abby Riemer, Props Manager Melissa Levine, Make-up Head Cassie Wangler, Pit Orchestra Heads David Corbin and Maura Flaherty, Dance Captain Emily McFerran, House Manager CJ Stott, and Student Technical Director Thomas Bednarz.

 

Opportunities exist for local businesses to advertise and become show sponsors and underwriters, for this and all remaining musicals held at the USC HS and Boyce theaters in 2016. Please contact Michael Binkley at 412-833-1600, extension 2699, for more information or if your company or association would be interested in enhancing its image within the community by earning promotional limelight.

 

Reserved-seat admissions are available for sale to the General Public beginning on February 22 at 10:30 a.m. After this time, the Box Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets will also be sold from 10:30 a.m. to noon on all performance dates and one hour prior to the start of each show. The Box Office is located in the Arts’ Lobby of the Upper St. Clair High School, adjacent to the USCHS Theatre. (Please use the main parking lot/center archway entrance).

 

After February 1, feel free to call 412-851-2060 (Music Activity Hotline), or visit usctheater.org for details on ticket pricing, parking accommodations, and other information. A unique tradition of USC HS spring musicals, senior citizens who reside in Upper St. Clair (with a valid ID – Gold Card, Silver Card or drivers’ license) will receive up to two complimentary admissions. Since all seats are reserved and tickets are limited, sell-out shows are likely. Please support the Upper St. Clair School District Performing Arts, visit the Box Office in person, and purchase your tickets early!