There exists a bond between every person having grown up in regions touched by snow and having listened to the song “White Christmas” as the holiday season approaches. And then, there’s the movie – a classic love story set to music with great song and dance numbers composed by Irving Berlin.

“It is one of my favorite Christmas movies, so to bring the musical version of the show to the Butte stage is a dream come true,” Cripple Creek’s Butte Theater Manager Lauren Smith said.

Based on the beloved 1954 movie of the same name, the Butte’s stage production of “White Christmas” brings heartwarming nostalgia to the lovely Christmas memories shared by many.

The story begins on Christmas Eve in 1944 during World War II, when entertainers Bob Wallace (Eric J. McConnell) and Phil Davis (Logan Purcell) put on a show for the U.S. Army 151st Regiment.

McConnell and Purcell easily take command of the stage and the show and has the audience tapping their feet and clapping their hands early into their performance. The real excitement begins when the entire chorus takes the stage. This accomplished cast brought talented and energetic performances to the stage from beginning to end.

Musical standouts included Mackenzie Quinn Ross as Betty Haynes, who delivered both vocal dexterity and a natural ability to connect, especially in her delivery of the stunning “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me.” McConnell’s baritone and operatic training was paired beautifully with Ross, in a split-screen duet as he sings “How Deep Is the Ocean.”

From the musical’s very beginning, the theater audience becomes participants in the production, and are transported ten years into the future at Christmas-time, 1954 where the successful song and dance partners are performing in a huge show. This is where we begin to see the full talents of an amazing support cast who sing and dance with perfect timing and coordination throughout the production.

Phil, although not one to settle down, believes Bob needs to find love while simultaneously, following their sister act, Judy Haynes (Mary Estelle Humphrey) is trying to convince her sister, Betty (Mackenzie Quinn Ross) the same.

“Sisters”, performed by Humphrey and Ross, show off their talented dancing and vocal harmonies, as well as convincing characterizations of two siblings who hold opposite views on life.

When Wallace and Davis go to see the Haynes Sisters’ performance as a favor to a member of their regiment, they find out that it was “an angle” created by Judy, to get a break into show business.

Phil is amused by Judy’s creative way of getting them to attend, while the cynical Bob isn’t surprised.

However, following a beautifully choreographed ”The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” Phil and Judy become convinced that Bob and Betty are perfect for each other.

Phil manipulates circumstances to get Bob on a train to Judy and Betty’s show at a Vermont ski lodge, coincidentally owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander, General Waverly (David Hastings).

Upon arrival, Bob and Phil discover that the lack of snow is causing disappointed patrons to cancel reservations and realize that the General is in trouble of losing his Inn. Hoping to attract guests, Phil and Bob devise a secret plan to stage a musical, plus reunite their old army regiment at the inn.

As the story progresses, Dakota Grace Bullis as the General’s granddaughter, Susan Waverly, endeared and wowed the audience with a sweetness in her acting, plus a beautiful singing voice and disciplined dance talent.

In the meantime, love sparks between the two respective couples, and a lovely rendition of “Counting My Blessings” between the Bob, the General, Susan, and Betty causes hearts to melt.

Cripple Creek resident and actor Jaimie Toye Brown as Martha Watson delivered several hysterical one liners, yet still maintained a poignancy in her relationship and “holding her own” with the gruff General.

But when Martha misinterprets a phone call, Betty questions Bob’s character and acts on an opportunity to do a show in New York. Later, when Betty finds out the true story behind Bob’s intentions, she returns to the inn.

On Christmas Eve, the regiment reunites at the inn surprising the General with everyone on stage and in the audience singing “White Christmas” as snow begins to fall.

Stage Management by Debbie Martin was seamless. The sets and backdrops were simple, allowing the action to move forward during scene changes that happened within seconds. The keyboard duo of Musical Director Michael Lewis Smith and Sebastian Bojorquez enhanced and entertained. Costuming brought sparkle, feathers and plaids to make White Christmas even more festive. Lighting enhanced the costumes and sets. Sound was great. This production was a fine-tuned machine, accrediting everyone, who without the hard work of each and every crew member created an experience bringing to the audience the joy of holiday spirit.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” is a show to see with a director, cast and crew whose goal is for the audience to be able to experience and take part in the production.

”If there’s one thing that the holiday season and musical theatre share, it’s that people turn to them to escape the monotony of real life. White Christmas allows audiences to set aside their day-to-day concerns for a few hours and travel to a simpler and happier time. And that’s something we could all use around this time of year,” said Director Michael Lasris of Green Glass Productions.

For folks who need a little Christmas, make reservations now through Dec. 28, at The Butte Theater, 139 E. Bennett Ave. Performances are evenings at 7 p.m. and matinees at 1 p.m. For more information and to make online reservations, visit ButteTheater.com. To make phone reservations, call the Box Office: (719) 689-6402 or Heritage Center: (719) 689-3315.