Civic Center to welcome Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ in December

DES MOINES — Des Moines Performing Arts will present Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” just in time to celebrate the holiday season, with shows scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10, through Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Civic Center in Des Moines.

"White Christmas" is the third show of the 2013-2014 season of the Willis Broadway Series. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets will be available beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at the Civic Center ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations, charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000 and online at www.desmoinesperformingarts.org. Groups of 15 or more should call (515) 246-2340.

“White Christmas,” the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film, tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in the picturesque Vermont Inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song, “White Christmas,” the show promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family.

The New York Times claims “this cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list.” And the New York Daily News hailed “White Christmas” as “a holiday card come to life.”

“White Christmas” features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin with book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is based on the 1954 Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

The production of “White Christmas” is produced by Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars. The creative team includes direction by Norb Joerder, choreography by Randy Skinner, scenic design by Anna Louizos, scenic supervision and adaptation by Kenneth Foy, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel.  The tour is produced by agreement with R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company.

For more information, visit www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/willis-broadway-series/207-white-christmas/.