Gulfshore Playhouse Opens the Holidays with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Gulfshore Playhouse Opens the Holidays with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

November 11 – December 21, 2025

Kristen Coury, CEO and Producing Artistic Director for Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples’ premiere professional theatre, is delighted to celebrate the holiday season with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, playing November 11 – December 21, 2025, on the Moran Mainstage at the Baker Theatre and Education Center.

This beloved holiday classic features dazzling dance numbers, a glorious score packed with Irving Berlin hits, and a heartwarming story sure to make spirits bright. Directed by Dann Dunn, with choreography by Broadway veteran Sara Brians and music direction by Trevor M. Pierce, White Christmas brings together Broadway talent to deliver a festive production perfect for the whole family.

The Cast

Leading the cast as the iconic song-and-dance duo are Ben Michael as Bob Wallace and Chris McNiff as Phil Davis. Michael’s credits include the Original Broadway Cast of Paradise Square and the First National Tour of An American in Paris, while McNiff previously toured nationally in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and the national tour of Memphis.

Stacie Bono stars as Betty Haynes, fresh from Broadway’s Tony Award^Ⓡ-winning revival of Parade and the world premiere of Broadway’s Queen of Versailles where she was the standby for Kristin Chenoweth. Cassie Austin joins as Judy Haynes, with credits including the First National Tour of Hello, Dolly! and Phantom (The Gateway).

Bringing warmth and heart to the story are Tom Galantich as General Waverly, whose Broadway credits include The Lehman Trilogy and Funny Girl, and Charis Leos as Martha Watson, a veteran performer with credits spanning Walnut Street Theatre, Pioneer Theatre Company, and Maine State Music Theatre.

Adding holiday magic, the role of Susan Waverly will be shared by two young performers. Naples native Solei Carlotta Bourgeois, who, as a Conservatory student, made her Gulfshore Playhouse debut as Annie in Annie Jr. in 2021, joins the cast with a growing list of professional and local community theatre credits. She will alternate performances with Orlando/New York-based actress Alice DeHaen, who is making her Gulfshore Playhouse debut in White Christmas. 

Other featured roles include Colin Bradbury as Ralph Sheldrake, Matthew Michael Janisse as Mike Nulty/Mr. Snoring Man, David Sitler as Ezekiel Foster, and Maya J. Christian, who patrons will remember as Sweet Charity’s Pastor Daddy Brubeck, as Tessie/Mrs. Snoring Man.

The ensemble includes Joseph Ryan Harrington, Alex Fullerton, Justin Michael Lopez, Ari’el Chaim Barmor, Abby Hesselroth, Kaylee Olson, Samantha Littleford, Jessie Lawyer, Lily Rose, Anna Backer, Collin Matthew Flanagan, and Dance Captain Mallory Davis.

The Creative Team

White Christmas is directed by Gulfshore’s very own Associate Artistic Director, Dann Dunn, who directed and choreographed last season’s production of Sweet Charity. Dann’s distinguished career spans Broadway, national/international tours, and regional theatres across the country. Sara Brians (Broadway: 42nd Street, Matilda, Billy Elliot, White Christmas), returning to Gulfshore Playhouse after choreographing the Baker Theatre and Education Center’s inaugural production of Anything Goes, brings her signature style and boundless energy to all the show’s big dance and tap numbers. Trevor M. Pierce, whose career encompasses international and national tours as well as regional theatre productions, and whom patrons may remember from Gulfshore’s Sweet Charity, Anything Goes, and Winter Wonderettes, serves as music director. Trevor is joined by assistant music director and associate conductor Michael Uselmann. Scenic designer Kristen Martino is excited to return to Gulfshore Playhouse after previously designing several shows including Sweet Charity, Into the Breeches, Camelot, Higher, and The Price. Costume design by Tracy Christensen (Broadway: Sunset Boulevard starring Glenn Close, Souvenir starring Judy Kaye), wig design by Bobbi Zlotnik (Broadway: Beautiful), lighting design by Dalton Hamilton with assistant designer Tollie Boone, and sound design by Ryan Peavey. The production also features the expertise of intimacy director Erica Mansfield, dialects coach Patrick Mulryan, and juvenile supervisor Arianna Schipper. Stage management is provided by Danny Kuenzel and Madelyn Lopez. Casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA.

Performances run November 11 through December 21, 2025. Tickets are now on sale and start at $40. Discounted tickets are available for patrons under 40; Educators; Families (two adults and two children); Military, veterans, first responders, and their immediate families.