Based on the film from Universal Pictures. Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge
As festive as it is joyous, Hayes Theatre Co bring a throwback to golden age cinema, whilst endowing some contemporary sensibilities
Reviewed by Andrea Bunjamin
Hayes Theatre Co, Potts Point
Until 22nd December 2024
Tickets: https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/irving-berlins-holiday-inn/
There’s nothing more satisfying than bringing people together through song-and-dance, and the ‘Holiday Inn’ musical seems to tick that box for every occasion. An American story told over the course of several holidays; this is a play that celebrates the need in finding joy among others. Making her directorial debut, Well Done Creative’s Sally Dashwood brings her wealth of knowledge in dance to produce this feel-good story for the festive season.
The pre-show begins with a warm-up where we were delightfully greeted with the Irving Berlin’s signature jazz tunes that serendipitously flowed into our keen ears. Four ensemble members entered, gearing up the stage, testing their tap dancing shoes, and interacting with the audience. It was a sign for things to come… right before we were transported into a New York City club in 1946.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Hayes Theatre (2024). Images by Robert Catto
We are introduced to a trio of stage partners. Singer Jim Hardy (Nigel Huckle), plans to trade his life in showbiz for a fresh start in Connecticut much to the dismay of his lover Lila Dixon (Emma Feliciano), but to the delight of charismatic dancer Ted Hanover (Jacob Steen). As Jim tries to settle into the newly acquired Mason Farm, things don’t go exactly to plan – finding his new home in disrepair, unable to grow his crops, and too many notices from the bank. He meets an animated Linda Mason (Mary McCorry), a former-performer-turned-school teacher who had lived on the farm and they bond over their shared sense of loneliness. With the help of savvy farmhand, Louise Badger (Paige Fallu) they decide to transform the farm into an inn and create performances to satisfy Jim’s yearning for the stage.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Hayes Theatre (2024). Images by Robert Catto
To say that Holiday Inn screams nostalgia would be an understatement. The production has done a wonderful job in bringing us the aesthetic of Hollywood’s Golden Era beyond just the stage and the beloved music. Véronique Benett’s lighting design was both equally playful as it is quirky, moving harmoniously with the band. Emma-Jade Dwyer’s choice of sound design humorously reminded me of the vintage affects you hear in old films. The timing syncs well with each performer’s movements, giving us a few chuckles along the journey. Brendan de la Hay’s colourful mind really shines through with their costumes – the fabrics, prints, and silhouettes felt like a true testament to the story’s era that also shows its audience several versions of the word ‘festive’. The array of plaid shirts and sweaters, blazers, and stunning dresses accommodates well for not only its performers but the holiday seasons throughout the story.
An impressive feat from this stellar cast of well-rounded dancers is how the choreography would feel larger than life during its big iconic moments in Hayes Theatre’s tiny stage. These movements in close quarters might at times momentarily look a bit awkward when two settings are taking place in a scene, but through careful coordination the contrast in space made it work. The inclusion of the red curtains during scene transitions allows each ensemble member to take centre stage – placing a performance within a performance. Huge shoutout to Matt Hourigan, Nike Markovic, Chloë Marshall, Jamie Reisin, Zohra Bednarz for juggling their character switches and the various moving parts of singing, dancing, and acting.
…highlights our need to find joy right in the present and to welcome the people around us to experience it too
Fallu’s part as Louise radiates optimism, a character whose chirpiness matches her cheekiness in getting Jim and Linda together. Feliciano’s role as starlet Lila, shows a character that moves like she was made for the spotlight with vocals that don’t disappoint. Steen plays Ted as someone who is constantly finding joy in being on stage. His smooth moves in “You’re Easy to Dance With” brings out the charm in Ted. And lastly, Huckle’s and McCorry’s dynamic on stage in portraying a kinship to lovers arc between Jim and Linda is both endearing and warm. Their rendition of “Be Careful, It’s My Heart” particularly was a standout, particularly in Jim’s quip smiles that let us in on the small delights he finds in life, coupled withLinda’s soft and inquisitive voice draws us along for the ride.
By the end of it all, Holiday Inn reminds us about the fun but complicated relationship we have when it comes to the pursuit of happiness. The musical has come a long way from its original 1942 film with modern sensibilities that further highlights our need to find joy right in the present and to welcome the people around us to experience it too.
Cast
Nigel Huckle – Jim Hardy
Mary McCorry – Linda Mason
Jacob Steen – Ted Hanover
Emma Feliciano – Lila Nixon
Paige Fallu – Louise Badger
Matt Hourigan – Danny/Ensemble
Niky Markovic – Charlie/Ensemble
Chloë Marshall – Daphne / Ensemble
Jamie Reisin – Stanley / Ensemble
Zohra Bednarz – Onstage Swing
CREATIVES
Director Sally Dashwood
Music Directors Abi McCunn and Dylan Pollard
Choreographer Veronica Beattie George
Assistant Director/ASM Sasha Lian Diniz
Set Designer Bella Rose Saltearn
Costume Designer Brendan de la Hay
Lighting Designer Veronique Benett
Production Manager Bella Thompson
Stage Manager Jemima Owen
