It was almost the show that never happened but with determination and hard work, the cast and crew of the Memorial Opera House were able to bring the production “Holiday Inn” to downtown Valparaiso. Based on the 1942 award-winning movie of the same name, “Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical,” is a fresh take on an old classic.
Boasting dance numbers galore and a score packed with Irving Berlin classics like “Blue Skies”, ”Heat Wave”, “Shaking the Blues Away”, and the beloved “White Christmas”, this production leaves attendees wanting more.
Walter Todd who acts, sings, and dances in the play usually helps with scene changes. This was his first time taking the stage as part of the cast. Of the many numbers, there is one that brings a big smile to his face.
“There is a song called ‘Shaking the Blues Away’. The music is fun, the choreography is so much fun. It gives me a lot of opportunity to interact with the other cast members on stage and just makes me happy,” said Todd.
Director Deb Haddad has directed Memorial Opera House plays such as “Shrek”, “Meet in St. Louis”, and “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Prior to directing, Haddad had been on stage herself as well as handling the costumes. She had been trying to bring this play to the Opera House for a few years.
“I love 1940’s musicals. They adapted this show from the original movie. It’s super cheesy and wholesome but in just the best way,” said Haddad.
For Haddad, there is one number that stands out.
“For me, it would have to be ‘Blue Skies’. They take it and it goes through all different scenes as they are basically moving and unpacking him. The choreography is one of my favorites.”
“It’s our first holiday show since ‘Miracle on 34th Street’. We were planning on doing this last year in 2020, so this show has been two years in the making practically,” said Executive Director Scot MacDonald. “The music is fantastic. Just that it encompasses all the holidays throughout the year, I think it is going to leave the audience very happy.”
When asked what made this show worth seeing, Todd echoed MacDonald.
“As someone who has been watching shows here a long time, this theater always produces incredible, quality products,” said Todd. “I have never watched a bad show here. Not once. This show is no exception. Such a talented group. We have come together to put so much work into this. I couldn’t imagine someone coming to this show and not having a smile on their face watching this show.”
It is Todd’s enthusiasm that motivated MacDonald and the cast to present Todd with the “7:30 AM“ award just prior to the opening night show. The award was bestowed to him for always coming in with a smile and helping out wherever and whenever needed.
While tickets are selling quickly, there is still the opportunity to see the hard work of the cast and what makes “Holiday Inn” such an uplifting good time. Upcoming performances are November 27th at 8 PM, November 28th at 2 PM, December 3rd and December 4th at 8 PM, December 5th at 2 PM, December 10th and 11th at 8 PM, and December 12th at 2 PM. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://www.memorialoperahouse.com/.
