Keeping the Dream Alive

Oh, the irony. The song “White Christmas” was written by Irving Berlin in 1942 for the movie musical Holiday Inn. The song became so popular it was once said you couldn’t have Christmas without permission from Berlin. The irony? Irving Berlin didn’t like Christmas; he lost his infant son Christmas...

By Angela Boucher

November 23, 2006

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Oh, the irony. The song “White Christmas” was written by Irving Berlin in 1942 for the movie musical Holiday Inn. The song became so popular it was once said you couldn’t have Christmas without permission from Berlin. The irony? Irving Berlin didn’t like Christmas; he lost his infant son Christmas Day and remained bittersweet about the holiday for the rest of his life.

The song’s true meaning is deeper than the light, crisp tune; it speaks of a dream, a Christmas that once was. The tune grew in popularity with soldiers, who were missing the holidays because they were being shipped off to serve in World War II. In 1954 it became the title song of the musical White Christmas. Now presented by the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre through December 31, it tells a story of love, loss, postwar malaise, and dreams of a “White Christmas.” Showtimes are Wednesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 and 8:00, and Sunday at 2:00. There will be two additional Wednesday matinee performances December 6 and 13 at 2:00 as well as a New Year’s Eve performance at 7:00. Tickets range from $35.50 to $50. Call 305-444-9293, or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org.
Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.; Wednesdays, 2 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Starts: Nov. 17. Continues through Dec. 13

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