Check out our “snow run” for White Christmas..this show is going to a winter wonderland!

Lyric Arts had a chance to interview Steve Florman, who is performing, as Ralph Sheldrake,  in White Christmas. Read on to hear what he has to say about his experience thus far!

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular play interested you?

SF: I’ve never done a “big Broadway-style musical extravaganza” before, and this is a great show with lots of good music.  In addition, being part of the Christmas production at Lyric Arts is always a great experience.

LA: For those that are unfamiliar with White Christmas can you tell us about the show?

SF: It’s about two former soldiers, now Broadway stars, who get finagled by two talented women into going to an inn in rural Vermont to put on a show at Christmastime – only to find that the establishment’s owner is their former commanding officer, who is having a tough time making a go of the innkeeping business.  Our heroes, after much confusion and tribulation, manage to save the day and produce a happy ending, with a lot of music and great dancing and acting along the way.

LA: Talk about the character that you play in White Christmas. How have you developed this character?

SF: Ralph Sheldrake, former US Army corporal turned TV producer, is the quintessential New York wheeler-dealer, but with a heart of gold.  He’s brash and forward, and bulldozes whoever he needs to in order to get things done.  I’ve tried to give Ralph a strong and energetic physical presence, a strident New York voice, and a curiously courtly way with the ladies.  I think secretly, he’s kind of a softie – but he’s not gonna let you see that if he can avoid it!

LA: Why should people come and see White Christmas?

SF: Many people love the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye movie, and this is a great opportunity to see that story come to life on stage in Anoka.  Mostly, come because this is an amazingly talented cast.  We do some wonderful productions at Lyric Arts, but the singing and dancing in this one will truly take your breath away.

LA: Talk about your fellow cast members, how do you see their characters developing? Any that you are particularly amazed at?

SF: In addition to the “leads” in this show, there are several supporting characters who make brief appearances here and there.  These parts are well-developed by the script, and even better developed by the great actors who play them.  These folks have taken these roles and truly magnified them and made them memorable.  Just for a couple of examples, you’ll see great work from Rita and Rhoda, Chorus Girls of Purity, and Tessie the Crazed Stage Manager.

LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of White Christmas?

SF: Tap dancing and harmony!  This cast can move, and we can sing.  Oh, boy, can we sing!  You’ve probably seen some great dancing on stage at Lyric Arts, but you’ve not seen anything like this.

LA: What is your favorite aspect of the show?

SF: The finale number, “White Christmas,” is a beautiful vocal arrangement.  I hope the audience loves it.

LA: Tell us what is something that you are particularly excited about this show coming to together? For example, a certain scene, costumes, set, lights, etc?

SF: I love it when the scenes, which get rehearsed one at a time, start getting put together into complete acts and the entire show starts to emerge out of a mishmash of vignettes.  When we get on stage and the lights and set come into the picture, it’s even better.

LA: Are musicals easier or harder then straight show or comedies? If so, why?

SF: In some ways, harder – often there are interludes in the singing during which movement and lines occur with background music, and those scenes have to be timed perfectly so everyone is in position and ready to go when the singing starts again.  But in some ways, for a musical guy like me, having songs in my head all of the time makes the work of preparing the show a lot more fun.

LA: What is your favorite musical to watch? 

SF: That’s a tough one – I tend to like some of the older ones, with familiar music, like South Pacific and West Side Story.  However, there are a bunch of newer shows that my children have gotten me interested in, that I think are really fun:  Urinetown, for example, and Rent.  I’m just glad they’ve grown up to the point where we’re out of the non-stop Disney movie stage.

LA: What is your favorite thing to do around the holidays?

SF:  Be with my family.  Take some time off work and just do nothing; spend time with my kids; take some walks in the snowy woods.  Sing carols.  Worship – I never feel closer to God than when we celebrate the birth of His Son.

LA: Which do you like better White Christmas the movie or the stage version?

SF: Bing Crosby is a tough act to beat, but the stage version is a lot of fun when you’re a part of it!

LA: To date what is your favorite role that you have played and why?

SF: Captain Georg von Trapp in The Sound of Music, at Lyric in 2008.  He’s a very strong man, but with a vulnerable and human side.  He tries to hide it, but is eventually forced to admit that the people he loves are more important to him than his stoic façade.  In giving that up, he actually becomes stronger.  It’s definitely a dream role for a husband and father like me.

LA: What is your dream character to play on stage?

SF: Well, as a mature male – let’s call me a “baritone of a certain age” – there are a number of roles I’m never going to be offered that I would have loved to have done, say, 20 years ago.  “Tony” in West Side Story, for example.  However, some of the most classic and beloved bits of American musical theatre offer roles tailor-made for an actor like me – ahem – strong of voice and in the prime of life.   Two roles definitely on my “bucket list” are “Emile de Becque” in South Pacific, and “Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote” in Man of La Mancha.  Be sure to fill out your comment card and tell Lyric Arts you’d like to see those two shows here!

LA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

SF: I’m a husband, father of five, and financial services professional who did theatre in high school, then came back to it after many years at Lyric Arts.  I love the opportunity to be someone different on stage, to interact with audiences, and to work with the great cast members and staff here.  I’ve been lucky enough to have some of my kids appear in shows with me as well.  I’ve decided that life is too short for me to do all the things I’d like to do, so I’m making sure to enjoy the things I’m doing.

LA: Any other area that you would like to comment on?

SF: Oh, I think I’ve probably babbled on enough, don’t you?

Lyric Arts had a chance to interview Eric Pringle, who is performing  in White Christmas. Read on to hear what he has to say about his experience thus far!

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular play interested you?

EP: White Christmas interested me because even though it’s such a fun, lighthearted show, it still has amazing depth and heart to it. Also, I’ve missed being on the Main Street Stage and didn’t want to see another opportunity pass me by!

LA: For those that are unfamiliar with White Christmas can you tell us about the show? 

EP: The show centers around Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two WWII vets who, ten years after the war’s end, are the biggest music stars in the U.S. They plan on taking their gig to Miami for a holiday show, but fate interjects and they find themselves on a train to Pinetree, Vermont with the Haynes sisters. Laughter and drama ensue, and everything builds up to their Christmas Eve production.

LA: Talk about the character that you play in White Christmas. How have you developed this character? 

EP: I’m in the ensemble, so I play many different roles: “Jim” (a member of Bob & Phil’s chorus), the train conductor and, my personal favorite, the “Blindfolded Chorus Boy.” My mom would be so proud!

LA: Why should people come and see White Christmas? 

EP: It has every element that you would want in a holiday production: amazing music by Irving Berlin, high-energy production numbers, characters that are both hilarious and heartwarming, and amazing scenery and costumes. If you’re looking for something to give you the warm-tinglies this holiday season, White Christmas is a must-see. It is the best production I have ever been a part of.

LA: Talk about your fellow cast members, how do you see their characters developing? Any that you are particularly amazed at?  

EP: I can’t single any one person out because everyone is going above and beyond what’s being asked of them. Obviously our four leads are amazing, but there honestly isn’t a weak link in the entire cast. I believe choreographer Charise Schrupp said it’s the most talented cast she’s ever worked with. And if Charise said it, you know it’s gotta be true!

LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of White Christmas? 

EP: Definitely the music and dancing. The music is so beautifully orchestrated and the dances, though very difficult, compliment it perfectly. I think another ‘wow’ element in the show would have to be the final two numbers – “White Christmas” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” They give me goose bumps when we do them in rehearsal because they come across so powerfully and this amazing cast does them such justice!

LA: What is your favorite aspect of the show? 

EP: I know it may sound weird, but I’ve actually really enjoyed the late nights and blood, sweat and tears that have been put into this production. It’s amazing to look back on where we started and see how far we’ve come since that first rehearsal in September. It’s been so much fun hanging out with this cast and getting to know everybody!

LA: Tell us what is something that you are particular excited about this show coming to together? For example, a certain scene, costumes, set, lights, etc? 

EP: I can’t wait to see the set and our final costumes, but I think both “Blue Skies” and “I Love a Piano” will be showstoppers and I’m anxious to see how they’re received by an audience.

LA: Are musicals easier or harder then straight show or comedies? If so, why?

EP:  I think it depends on the show and the actor. With musicals, you’re learning intricate song and dance numbers in addition to dialogue, and it’s important to perfect both so they don’t fall flat. Musicals advance the plot through song, so getting facial expressions, tone, etc. is equally as important as learning lines. All in all, they help keep the show’s genuine charm intact.

LA: What is your favorite musical to watch? 

EP: I’ve seen so many great shows over the years. “The Lion King” on Broadway was visually stunning, but locally I’ve really enjoyed “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Oklahoma!” and “All Shook Up.” I had the chance to see “9 to 5” at the Ordway this summer and was blown away; Dolly Parton is a fantastic songwriter!

LA: What is your favorite thing to do around the holidays?  

EP: Seeing my family and friends and just enjoying some downtime. I know it sounds a bit cliché, but I’ve really come to appreciate this time with family and not take it for granted. There’s nothing better than listening to Christmas songs on the radio surrounded by the ones you love.

LA: Which do you like better White Christmas the movie or the stage version? 

EP: The stage version, because I think it incorporates all the aspects of the movie that everyone loves, but also throws in more humor, joy and amazing music.

LA: To date what is your favorite role that you have played and why?

EP: Probably the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz,” but it was also fun channeling my inner dork as Peewee Drummond in “Meet Me in St. Louis” at Lyric in 2009.

LA: What is your dream character to play on stage? 

EP: No question, Will Parker in “Oklahoma!” Hands. Down.

LA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself? 

EP: I work in the communications/public relations field by day and coach learn-to-skate classes by night. I’m a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. I love to dance. I love hugs. I geek out over the Olympics every single time. I’m the last remaining “single Pringle” in my family (ladies: take note), and I’m often reminded of that.

LA: Any other area that you would like to comment on? 

EP: I am so lucky to have discovered Lyric Arts a few years ago! The people I’ve met will be friends for life.

Lyric Arts had a chance to interview Noelle French, who is performing as Rhoda  in White Christmas. Read on to hear what she has to say about her experience thus far!

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular play interested you?

NF: Musical theater has been a part of my life from the time I was 9 or 10 years old, watching as many videos of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals as my Mom would buy for me. When I saw the posting for auditions for White Christmas, I prepared to audition with the hope of being cast as Betty Haynes.  I loved Rosemary Clooney in the movie version, and this show reminded me of why I first fell in love with classic, CLEAN (as in, G or PGJ), wonderful musical theater.

LA: For those that are unfamiliar with White Christmas can you tell us about the show?

NF: I’m not very good at summarizing, so here goes: Bob and Phil are traveling, post-WWII performers.  They intend to head to the next leg of their tour in FL, but Phil instead finagles a detour to Vermont, in pursuit of one of a pair of singing sisters.  Once in Vermont, Bob and Phil discover that their former General is the owner of the Inn they’re staying at.  It hasn’t snowed, so the Inn is doing poorly, as it’s supposed to be a draw for skiers and such.  Bob and Phil organize to save the Inn, inviting many of their former comrades and families to attend a holiday show put on at the Inn.  In the process, the guys fall in love with the sisters, and there’s definitely something going on with the General and the Inn Manager, Martha Watson.

LA: Talk about the character that you play in White Christmas. How have you developed this character?

NF: I play Rhoda, the other half of ‘Rita and Rhoda.’  She, along with Rita, is a silly, flirty show performer and always strives to be in the same vicinity as Phil.  In developing this character, I’ve looked to movie icons of the 1950s, such as Marilyn Monroe.  Marilyn was the ‘it’ girl of that time, and I think Rhoda tries to emulate the sensuality and appeal of Marilyn.  It’s definitely a fun role, because I am SO not a Rhoda in real life!

LA: Why should people come and see White Christmas?

NF: Folks should come and see this show because it will make them happy!  We performers will be having a blast, and I’m hoping that it rubs off on the audience!

LA: Talk about your fellow cast members, how do you see their characters developing? Any that you are particularly amazed at?

NF: Our director, Becky Rizzio, really cast the show well.  Each person seems well-suited to their character.  In particular, Regan Duffy, who plays young Susan, is tremendous!  She is a gifted young performer, with a HUGE voice, wonderful acting ability, and she dances, too! 

LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of White Christmas?

NF: I think the chorus numbers are going to be a lot of fun and high energy.  Our chorus has a very full sound, and we have all been working hard with pairing the music and dance.  It’ll be a great sight with wonderful sound to match!

LA: What is your favorite aspect of the show?

NF: I’ve already talked about the chorus numbers, which are fabulous, but aside from that, my favorite aspect of the show is the music.  There are so many wonderful Irving Berlin songs with beautiful arrangements.  In particular, I love “Blue Skies,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me,” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.”

LA: Tell us what is something that you are particular excited about this show coming to together? For example, a certain scene, costumes, set, lights, etc?

NF:  Just being on the stage will be exciting in itself.  There is something incredible about looking out into the audience from onstage—it’s thrilling!  I’m also super excited for the costumes and set, because they begin to bring the story to life!

LA: Are musicals easier or harder then straight show or comedies? If so, why?

NF:  Musical theater demands more of a performer in that you not only act but also sing and dance.  As a musical theater performer, you’re not only memorizing lines, you’re memorizing songs and choreography, and often you’re doing all three at once! 

LA: What is your favorite musical to watch? 

NF: I think the one I’ve seen more times than any other is Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

LA: What is your favorite thing to do around the holidays?

NF: I love being with my family, cooking, baking, and singing.  We always gather around the piano at my parent’s home, my Mom playing and all of us singing Christmas songs.

LA: Which do you like better White Christmas the movie or the stage version?

NF:  I like both!  I will always love the movie for the nostalgic performances of Bing, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen, but the stage version has higher energy, more fun characters, and many more songs than the movie version.

LA: To date what is your favorite role that you have played and why?

NF: I played Mammy Yokum in a production of Li’l Abner, and I think I had such a blast playing her because, for one, it was a challenge.  I was 20 at the time and playing an elderly woman with a ton of spunk.  I really took on a different persona for the role, had to develop the funny gait that she has, and worked on my backwoods accent.  Playing Mammy was a chance to be uninhibited and improper, and it was great fun!

LA: What is your dream character to play on stage?

NF: I’ve sung the part of Eliza Doolittle for a lead who lost her voice, but I’ve never fully played the character and would love to.  I’d also love to play Magnolia (Noli) Hawks in Show Boat.

LA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

NF: My husband, Paul, and I have a house in Crystal and a 2-year-old Shih Tzu named Aggie, I work at Carlson School of Management, I take private voice lessons, Paul and I are members of Cross of Glory Baptist Church, and I have a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences and Clinical Psychology from Northwestern College.  Along with singing, I’ve taken 12 years of classical piano, I used to play the alto sax, and I love cooking and watching Masterpiece Theater

LA: Any other area that you would like to comment on?

NF: This is the first musical theater production that I’ve been a part of in quite some time, and I am truly impressed with the level of talent represented in the White Christmas cast.  I’m also truly impressed by the caliber of Lyric Arts productions.  This is a very professional Community Theater!