Troy Theatre Ensemble presents ‘White Christmas’

TROY — Troy High School’s theater troupe, the Troy Theatre Ensemble, will be presenting their production of “White Christmas” during December.

“White Christmas” is a holiday-themed romantic comedy show that is based on the 1954 film of the same name and features the music and lyrics of Irving Berlin and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. 

The score features some classic songs like “Happy Holiday/Let Yourself Go,” “Sisters,” and “White Christmas.”

“This modern musical based on everyone’s favorite Christmas movie is a wonderful blend of nostalgic and contemporary elements, and is a great way to kick off the holiday season,” Director Marc Vickers said in a press release.

The show follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who have both served in World War II and are currently well-known as musical producers and a performing duo. The two meet the singing sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, and both later develop romantic feelings for each of the sisters. 

The four find themselves at a struggling inn in Vermont, which happens to be owned by Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Waverly, whom Bob and Phil served under during the war. To help the general with his business’s money problems, the couples decide to put on a holiday show at the inn.

Troy Theatre Ensemble’s production features a cast, crew, and band of more than 80 students. The music and different show elements have given the “White Christmas” cast and crew some challenges as they’ve rehearsed.

“The tap and ballroom is something more challenging and we provide students with as much experience as they need,” Vickers said.

The show features the talents of junior Omar Atasi as Bob Wallace, senior Rishi Rao as Phil Davis, sophomore Quin VanAmberg as Betty, sophomore Kate Brokenshire as Judy, and sophomore James Christiani as Maj. Gen. Thomas F. Waverly, among many other talented Troy High School students.

This is Atasi’s third show with TTE, and he hopes to play different roles in the future and gain more experience.

“There’s been a lot of time spent on perfecting the show with extra music and dance practice,” Atasi said.

VanAmberg has done around 19 shows from multiple theater ensembles, and “White Christmas” is her third show with TTE.

“I’m honestly ecstatic,” VanAmberg said. “I was so nervous and I cried when I saw my name on the cast list. I think I learned last spring that we were doing this show and started preparing in early August.”

For Rao, this is his fourth show with TTE and his first leading role. He is interested in further exploring dancing and singing as a hobby.

“It felt great like this part is a dance-heavy role,” Rao said. “I have experience with Indian dance and this has been a little bit of an adjustment.”

Vickers has been with the ensemble for five years and chose to do “White Christmas” after the vocal director suggested it. While there have also been some concerns about scheduling the show around other school events that are planned during the holiday season, Vickers and the ensemble team have worked to make sure this event is ready for their upcoming show dates.

“We knew it would be a challenge because there are a lot of concerts in the auditorium,” Vickers said. “We’re figuring it out. This show is a lot of people’s favorite.”

Performances are Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets for adults are $20, senior citizens age 60 and over are $15, and students K-12 are $15. 

General admission is sold at the box office 30 minutes prior to showtime. All seats are reserved and sold online at troytheatreensemble.seatyourself.biz. 

For more information, visit ttensemble.weebly.com.