In the lead up to Christmas, it was nice to escape Sydney’s heat and humidity and enjoy few hours of wholesome escapism watching IRVING BERLIN’S classic musical comedy, HOLIDAY INN. I haven’t watched the 1942 film version starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire since the days of matinee screenings of classic movies on free to air television, but the songs remain familiar, including the much loved ‘White Christmas’ reminding us all that Christmas is on our doorsteps.
The show opens with singer Jim Hardy (played by Rob Mallet) proposing to his fame-seeking girlfriend Lila Dixon (played by Paloma Renouf) with the hope of leaving the bright lights of New York behind to live a simple farming life in Connecticut. Unenthused by Jim’s plans, Lila continues her quest for the limelight with Jim’s best friend Ted Hanover (played by Max Patterson) with quickly broken promises to join him.
It doesn’t take long for Jim to realise his farming skills are non-existent. With no fiancé, no money and no idea what he’s doing, things are looking grim. Enter local school teacher and new love interest Linda Mason (played by Mary McCorry) and helping hand Louise (played by Paige Fallu) Things start to brighten up as Jim’s friends (played by the talented Ensemble cast of Molly Bugeja, Matt Hourigan, Nicky Markovic, James Reisin and Zohra Bednarz) arrive to deliver some festive cheer, reigniting Jim’s passion for performing and giving him the bright idea of turning the farmhouse into an entertainment inn during the holidays, where guests are entertained by Jim’s friends, saving the farm from foreclosure.
Director Sally Dashwood opted for a conservative approach to the material which can feel outdated. Some attempts to modernise elements of the performance felt clunky and didn’t always land with the audience.
The performances were mostly solid, with a few tonal missteps here and there that were overshadowed by the Musical Direction of Dylan Pollard keeping the atmosphere light and the pace moving in the first half. The standout performance was Mary McCorry, whose mesmerising performance conveyed old-world charm, and her singing was impeccable. The set design seemed a little cluttered, and Choreographer Veronica Beattie George made good use of the available space, even if the performers looked cramped at times.
The pace of the second half of the performance was a little slow going, with the plot a little thin as Ted sought to lure Linda away from the farm and into the world of show business. Predictably choosing love over limelight, the saccharine sweet ending offered a note of nostalgia to the evening, along with the choc tops that were a crowd favourite on this balmy night.
When: Saturday 6th December – Sunday 14th December 2025
Times: Saturday 6th 2:30pm & 7:30pm; Sunday 7th 2:30pm; Thu 11th 2:30pm; Fri 12th 7:30pm; Sat 13th 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sun 14th 2:30pm
Previews: Saturday 6 Dec 2:30pm.
Where: Riverside Theatres
Tickets: From $59
Bookings: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/irving-berlins-holiday-inn/
Performance Warnings: Contains smoke haze
TAGS:
Riverside Theatre Parramatta , Rob Mallet , Paloma Renouf , Max Patterson , Mary McCorry , Paige Fallu , Molly Bugeja , Matt Hourigan , Nicky Markovic , James Reisin , Zohra Bednarz , Sally Dashwood , Dylan Pollard , Veronica Beattie George
