North Lenoir brings ‘White Christmas’ to the stage Nov. 5-8
North Lenoir High School’s drama department will bring holiday music, dancing and a message of love to the stage with performances of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” Nov. 5-8.
Evening performances begin at 7 p.m., with a matinee at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, with student tickets available for $8.
Parker Ball, a member of the production team, said the show’s heart lies in the things people do for those they love.
While preparing for the production, Ball contacted members of the original 2008 Broadway cast to ask for advice to share with students. Among those who responded was Kerry O’Malley, who originated the role of Betty Haynes in the Broadway production.
Ball said O’Malley shared a lesson from her director about approaching the show without cynicism and grounding its characters’ actions in love.
“I think that that is the perfect wrap-up about ‘White Christmas,’” Ball said.
The production features North Lenoir senior James Casper as Bob Wallace and early college junior Tevis Dilday as Phil Davis. Juniors Molly White and Lindsey Manning play sisters Betty and Judy Haynes, respectively.
Ball said Dilday has participated in the department’s productions since he was young. For White and Manning, the show represents an opportunity to take on leading roles after gaining experience in previous productions.
After graduating several seniors over the past two years, the department has worked to prepare younger performers for greater responsibility. In its production of “Oklahoma!,” younger students served as understudies for some senior performers, giving them experience preparing to lead a show.
Ball said the “White Christmas” cast has made steady progress as students become more comfortable with their roles.
“We had a run-through last night, and it was fantastic,” Ball said.
The department also works to introduce younger students to theater through performances for elementary and middle schools, along with appearances at orientation and eighth-grade events.
Ball’s own introduction to the program came through attending a school performance as an elementary student.
Audience members attending “White Christmas” can expect open seating, concessions and a 15-minute intermission. Supporters can also purchase stars, write messages to cast members and have them displayed backstage, where students can read them during the production.
Ball thanked sponsors, including Danny and Myra Smith of Danny Smith Landscaping and Trucking, for helping support the show.
Community participation, from attending performances to buying advertisements and sponsorships, helps sustain the department, Ball said.
“The thing that keeps us going is the community support,” Ball said. “And seeing the joy on the kids’ faces whenever they see a packed house is so worth all the work that you’ve put into it.”
