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Director's Notes:

I’M DREAMING OF A ...

“White Christmas” is, without dispute, the most widely recorded and performed song in the history of American popular music. First written in 1942 when composer Irving Berlin was stranded in Beverly Hills, California at Christmas time, longing for family and some wintry weather, his original composition included an ironic and now mostly excised introduction that contrasted the artificiality of Southern California with what was, for Berlin, the far more authentic climate of the Northeast. But as America entered the Second World War shortly after “White Christmas” was first recorded, the song rapidly became an informal national anthem for the men and women serving in the armed forces – and for the entire country.       

Drawing upon the tradition of the home song – i.e., music and lyrics that tap our inherent longing for simpler times and less complicated lives – “White Christmas” was embraced by millions and, several years after the War, became the title for one of the most popular holiday films in American cinematic history.

Berlin, who was known for maintaining tight control over his compositions, suggested—as he had with “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Easter Parade,” “Blue Skies” and other of his well-known songs—that “White Christmas” could become the title and subject for a feature-length film. Originally, the intention was to unite Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire; Danny Kaye was cast as Crosby’s foil when neither Astaire nor fellow dance icon Gene Kelly was available for the project. Crosby and Kaye were matched with Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen as the Haynes sisters; together the foursome made an unforgettable team that has continued to sing and dance its way into the lives of Americans to the present day.

Several years ago, the artistic staff of the St. Louis Municipal Opera company (the legendary summer musical theatre affectionately known as The Muny), sought and received permission to develop a stage adaptation of the film. Drawing upon the vast Berlin songbook to supplement the film’s score, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas debuted during a sultry, Midwestern July to packed houses. Soon thereafter came revisions and refinements, a transfer to Broadway, touring and regional theatre productions. The musical has fast become a staple of American holiday productions.

Paul Mason Barnes has directed many productions at Pioneer Theatre Company including last season’s A Christmas Story, and both productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.