A “White Christmas” Indeed

A “White Christmas” Indeed: Musical classic gets audiences in the spirit
December 03, 2025

BY KELLY J. FARRELL | kelly.farrell@floridaweekly.com

Originally published in Florida Weekly.

The cast of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at Gulfshore Playhouse. -PHOTO CREDIT: DALTON HAMILTON

First time musical-goers and returning audiences rejoice in the Gulfshore Playhouse rendition of “White Christmas”—showing through Dec. 21.

Set in the 1940s and 50s, the show is of a simpler time, when the holiday was more about spirit than gifts—but still the drive to make it big and be successful motivates the characters of all ages. And so too it is with the founder, CEO and producing director, Kristen Coury.

Coury said she was a bit wary of Christmas shows. But so far, the success of “White Christmas” may relieve that. And she would “give a million thanks” for a few million more dollars to go toward the Playhouse.

Ben Michael, as Bob, and Chris McNiff, as Phil, in Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at Gulfshore Playhouse. -PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW SCHIPPER

Though the musical has performers from throughout the U.S., it has plenty with Florida and Naples ties as well.

Supposedly headed to Florida in the show, a main character, Bob Wallace, performed by Ben Michael, is duped into going to Vermont. He and everyone who arrive in the mountain town are hoping for snow.

During the opening night of “White Christmas” at Gulfshore Playhouse in the newly remodeled Moran Mainstage, was play-goer Martha Wells of Massachusetts, who came to Naples to see one of the main characters who she has watched perform “White Christmas” in cities throughout the U.S. for several years—except for those years lost to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s my holiday tradition,” Wells said.

For Wells, “White Christmas” began years ago when her son and other children in drama and dance performed together. “I watched my son and his friends in leotards,” she said.

Wells has seen White Christmas performed in Cleveland, Schenectady, Atlanta, Raleigh, Durham and other cities. And the Gulfshore Playhouse rendition in Naples stood out as among the best, Wells said.

Wells is a bit partial following performer Chris McNiff, who plays in the lead role of Phil Davis in the show in Naples. It’s his first time in this role, making it an amazing year for both of them.

Colin Bradbury as Ralph, Ben Michael as Bob, and Chris McNiff as Phil in Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at Gulfshore Playhouse. -PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW SCHIPPER

“It’s very exciting,” McNiff said after the show, still grinning. “I’m very familiar with the show,” he added.

Audience members’ cheeks hurt from smiling throughout.

“Mine hurt too,” he said, revealing yet another big smile.

One of the differences in Naples is that the live band is not within the theater but rather in another room and wired into the theater because to have an orchestra pit, sunken below floor level, poses an architectural dilemma due to flood risks.

Wells noted what many other audience members have since lauded—the costumes for “White Christmas” at Gulfshore Playhouse are impressive, arguably among the best.

After Wells made the comment about the high-quality costumes during intermission, the costumes got even better as the cast performed “I Love a Piano,” wearing suits and outfits with piano keys. Costume designer Tracy Christensen’s work was lauded by discerning audience members, including Wells, the cast members and observers newer to theater as well.

Christensen’s costume designs have been seen on and Off-Broadway with stars like Glenn Close and numerous others, as well as in opera and in film.

And still perhaps no part of the costume was outdone by those wearing smiles on stage and in the audience—including the smile worn by the young actress playing Susan Waverly. Solei Carlotta Bourgeouis is a Naples resident who was “born with it,” an ironic comment given her character, the granddaughter of the general inn owner, wants to perform at the old Vermont inn and asks if she could be “born with it,” like Martha Watson, a surprise mega-talent in the play performed by Charis Leos.

Due to union hours for youth, Bourgeouis is only 11 years old, Alice DeHaen also plays as Susan Waverly, traveling from Orlando. The two became good friends in the show.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas begins in 1944 in the midst of World War II and then transports the audience to 1954 New York City and Vermont.

In addition to cravings for hot chocolate, a Christmas spirit, and a grin that hurts, audiences are brought to their feet at each show.

And, as Director Dann Dunn teases, “Maybe we’ll even see some snow in Naples.”