Derek Luscutoff and Josh Powell Photo by Alex Mongillo

There are four leading parts, though Kirsti Carnahan is outstanding in a supporting role and nearly steals the show. Nonetheless, the entire company is expert and there are plenty of highlights throughout. The director keeps the the show on the move and the physical production is stellar. This is the ideal show to see right now to get into the holiday spirit; it is a real pleasure to hear these Irving Berlin songs sung to a fare-thee-well.

The plot is relatively simple, with Bob Wallace, played by Josh Powell, and his musical partner Phil Davis, played by Derek Luscutoff, looking to join up with a sister act. They find the perfect pair in Betty Haynes, played by Elena Ramos Pascullo, and her sister Judy, played by Elissa DeMaria. These performers are terrific and, through a series of plot complications, the four characters manage to build an act together.

Beyond the central premise, the most charming aspect of the show is the collection of dandy production numbers. Everyone in the cast is adept with the dazzling choreography. Among the best numbers are "Blue Skies," led by Josh Powell, which concludes the first act on a very high point. Other winners include "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" and "I Love a Piano."

In addition to the dance numbers, there are numerous lovely moments with members of the cast simply singing. Pascullo and DeMaria are delectable in the song "Sisters" and Pascullo and Powell are divine sharing the duet "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep." It's fun, too, to hear the Irving Berlin songs taken from other sources, with "Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun" (from the musical Miss Liberty) being a standout. It features Pascullo and DeMaria joining with Kirsti Carnahan for a strong trio.

I saw Carnahan do wonderful work in the original Broadway production of Kiss of the Spider Woman, and she gets her first big moment in White Christmas when she puts over a knockout "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" halfway through the first act and nearly stops the show. There are especially good performances by Quinten Patrick Busey, Scott Mikita, and the pint-sized Ella Cahill, who is absolutely adorable. All the performers in this show get their chance to shine.

The scenic design by April M. Bartlett and Arielle Silbert is splendid, with plenty of performing areas around the stage. The costumes by Diane Vanderkroef are attractive and period perfect (the show mostly takes place in 1954) and RJ Romeo provides expert lighting and projection design. The offstage band is led by the wonderful music director David Wolfson, and Jon Damast is responsible for the crystal clear sound design.

Under Kevin Connors' confident direction, the whole production of White Christmas is a joy from beginning to end. Music Theatre of Connecticut scores another grand achievement with this show and, without giving too much away, all of the various plotlines in the musical end happily. This scrumptious treat radiates holiday cheer, which is sure to put a smile on your face.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas runs through December 22, 2024, at Music Theatre of Connecticut, 509 Westport Ave., Norwalk CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.musictheatreofct.com.