‘Holiday Inn’ at The Muny is delicious retro eye-candy at the muny

The razzamatazz of grand old song-and-dance numbers is spotlighted in a snappy new production of “Holiday Inn” at The Muny. With its World War II-era timeline of festive holidays, this tuneful, colorful musical comedy is enchanting entertainment

It’s as if we’ve been plopped smack-dab in a cheery yesteryear M-G-M musical, watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers glide across a stage, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland sing, and Mickey Rooney urge his pals: “Hey, kids, let’s put on a show!”

This Muny premiere is only the second time this musical adaptation has been staged, a reworking of the classic 1942 movie featuring 10 of master composer Irving Berlin’s original songs and adding 11 from his Great American Songbook.

Director Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge co-wrote the book, and the schmaltzy plot isn’t totally faithful to the film, but it’s a pastiche to those escapist, romantic triangle stories Hollywood cranked out during wartime. Ted Hanover, a self-centered, ambitious dancer, sets his sights on the bigtime while his singing partner Jim wants to retire to his farm in Connecticut. After broken hearts and crushed dreams, Jim turns his farmhouse into an inn that features splashy entertainment only during holidays. Conflicts with love and career ensue.

The creative team behind this show are veteran virtuosos — director Greenberg and music director James Moore were part of the Muny’s transcendent “West Side Story” in 2013. Greenberg oversees this colorful, tuneful staging with verve while Moore’s conducting is crisp and animated. Original choreographer Denis Jones, who worked his magic in “Chicago,” “Grease” and “Spamalot” in recent years, has created fancy footwork that’s both fresh and nostalgic.

They have sprinkled stardust on the Muny stage, taking Berlin’s timeless tunes and giving them glorious renditions on that great big stage. The snazzy dance numbers are clever and imaginative, and Noah Racey, as Ted, the role originated by Fred Astaire, makes the solos his own. His talent makes up for his not-that-likable character being a jerk to his pal Jim.

Hometowner Colin Donnell easily charms as Jim, and has effortless chemistry with his real-life wife Patti Murin as the sweet Linda, a small-town schoolteacher who left her showbiz dreams behind. They displayed quick wits as they stalled for time during a character’s late entrance, delighting the audience. Holly Ann Butler is funny as the ditzy Lila.

In support are Nancy Opel as farmhand Louise and Danny Rutigliano as the manager Danny, with Phoenix Lawson as the young pest Charlie Winslow.

The stock, somewhat corny, characters don’t have much to work with acting-wise, but it’s in the singing and dancing parts where they shine.

And whoa, performing in breathtaking formal wear for New Year’s Eve, parading bonnets at Easter, and tap-dancing in nautical attire for Independence Day, the energetic ensemble dazzles in costume designer Alejo Vietti’s stunning fashions while keeping up with Berlin’s beats. It’s all delicious retro eye-candy, loaded with old-fashioned charm.

“White Christmas” and “Easter Parade” are just two of the memorable songs that comprise this show, with the Christmas classic delivered with all the poignancy you want, and the melodic paean to tradition staged with a flourish.

“Blue Skies,” “Cheek to Cheek” and “Happy Holiday” are just a few of the songs you’ll want to hum along to, during or after the show.

“Holiday Inn” is all light-hearted, fizzy fun — just revel in the peppy song and dance, and ignore the clunkier aspects of the dialogue. In this show, there is “Plenty to be Thankful for.”

This story was originally published July 8, 2015 at 4:28 AM with the headline "‘Holiday Inn’ at The Muny is delicious retro eye-candy at the muny."