NEW ORLEANS -- It was a year ago this week that snow fell in New Orleans, helping us get into the holiday spirit.
But one place guarantees snow every weekend for the next three weeks: the Le Petit Theatre, which has a grand production of the musical "White Christmas,” starring three Broadway actors who began their careers right here.
It’s Irving Berlin at his best: a story of Christmas and love and putting on a show. Perfect for this time of year with a cast of 25 local actors, including three who have successfully moved on to Broadway.
Richard Arnold got the acting bug at Jesuit High School, studied at UVA and headed to the great white way, where he ended up dancing in “42nd Street.”
Julie Tolivar began her career locally at age 7, studied at Mt. Carmel and after college has spent the last eight years in New York.
And there is Kasey Marino, a Rummel grad who went to UNO and the Boston conservatory before hitting the Big Apple and making it into the cast of “Hairspray.”
“It was everything I hoped for and more,” Marino said.
The lure of Broadway has kept him in New York for over 10 years, but coming home for this show is an important reminder of what it’s all about.
“It’s so easy to lose track in New York, and you get caught up in the business when you come back to Le Petit and see how much people genuinely care about this profession and this theater," Marino said.
Julie Tolivar has spent the last eight years in New York, but her Broadway dream began here.
”In Kenner on Arkansas Avenue next to the Esplanade Mall, graduated from Mt. Carmel and NOCCA.”
It took her three years to get her first Broadway show, where she played understudy to the lead in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
“Fortunately for me she was pregnant and I got to go on a lot,” Tolivar said.
But her early career was right here in New Orleans.
“I did the 'Sound of Music' at Le Petit when I was 16 years old," Tolivar said. "I was Leisel and that was a long time ago, so to be back is a pretty great experience, especially for the holidays.”
For Richard Arnold, it was his feet that gave him his Broadway chance.
“’42nd Street’ was my big break in New York,” Arnold said.
And it is the dancing in this show that highlights his talent. He feels that for people who loved the original, the “White Christmas” movie with Bing Crosby, this production offers even more.
“It keeps the magic of the original movie but throws in more Irving Berlin standards that are very well known, and some great dance numbers,” Arnold said.
White Christmas features 17 Irving Berlin classics.
It is a show that has brought home three of New Orleans Broadway success stories, all thrilled to be with their families for the holidays.
But this show also highlights the talents of many other local actors who hope this is the beginning of a new tradition in New Orleans – a special show at Le Petit that each year generations will want to see as part of their holiday celebration.
White Christmas opens this Thursday. There will be performances each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20.
Snow is guaranteed each show, and word has it that Santa Claus will be attending each matinee.
For more information go to http://www.lepetittheatre.com or call 522 2081.
