Holiday Inn, The New Irving Berlin Musical

"An endorphin assault, inducing warm-bath pleasure like no other show since '42nd Street.' The dancing is spectacular, the singing sublime, the visuals are ingenious and, almost incidentally, there’s the cataract of Irving Berlin songs...Corbin Bleu is the discovery, tapping up a storm that recalls the young Sammy Davis Jr...Above all, Denis Jones deploys a smallish troupe of dazzling hoofers with a perfect mix of precision and abandon." Full Review

"The script is sharp; Jones' fertile choreography stops the show; and your whole row will perk up at the astonishing array of familiar Berlin gems...The occasionally quaint qualities of the overall show don't need forgiving, because just when it seems the gang is heading into sappy territory, this very talented company jolts the house with jaw-dropping production numbers that continue to give the Broadway experience its own unique and beloved New York particularity...Blue skies, indeed!" Full Review

"While Roundabout's new musical is, by contemporary Broadway standards, a bit small-scale, it accomplishes the Berlin mission of pushing delicious songs to the forefront, along with the terrific talents of its gem of a cast...'Holiday Inn' is unabashed fluff, delectably served up sharp and snazzy from start to finish." Full Review

"If you’re in the mood for show that's light-on-its-feet and wall-to-wall Irving Berlin, check into Broadway’s 'Holiday Inn'...It’s familiar and vanilla-flavored fluff, but with tasty sprinkles: a fine cast, tap-happy hoofing and colorfully witty costumes."' Full Review

"An enjoyable stage treat, with winsome leads and a talented troupe that can generate audience applause with exhilarating dance numbers. Sure, the story is corny, but the performers in this show can make characters reasonably believable even in the most far-fetched situations...Greenberg’s direction has plenty of spirit, with the numbers cleverly woven into the story and projecting the plot forward with an emphasis on keeping the entertainment gears moving." Full Review

"Greenberg and Hodge have significantly rethought, reshaped and revitalized the script, giving the show more heart, a slightly modern sensibility and a joyful spirit. Engaging performances, dynamic dancing and a lively orchestra make it the feel-good show of the fall...The lead performers are smashing, especially Pinkham...Bleu is a spark plug of energy, and his hoofing in 'You’re Easy to Dance With' and 'Let’s Say It With Firecrackers' are two of the musical’s dance delights." Full Review

"The production breathes fresh life into a classic movie musical with a book updated to suit modern ears and stars who make familiar songs sound new again...Pinkham’s honeyed vocals and almost deranged charm make him the one to root for...Whether audiences are inclined to the show’s old-timey feel or nostalgic for its Berlin score, it’s Greenberg’s book with co-scribe Hodge that lends 'Holiday Inn' an easy humor, one that doesn’t try too hard for laughs and often lands them one after another." Full Review

"With 'Holiday Inn,' co-librettists Greenberg and Hodge have come as close as anyone before them to creating what feels like an organically crafted musical from a set of inorganic parts...This 'Holiday Inn' is an admittedly slight but charming diversion that’s old-fashioned in feel, but full of modern storytelling and staging know-how...Perhaps the most impressive achievement comes from choreographer Denis Jones, who whips up two crowd-pleasing, keister-kicking showstoppers." Full Review

"Paired with Berlin’s incomparable and timeless tunes the classic show has found a new life with the talented cast...The standout performances belong to Pinkham, Lawrence and Bleu. Pinkham’s voice is enough to make even the most Crosby-crazed gal swoon and he has just the right combination of comedic timing, charisma and passion to play Jim...Bleu had a lot to live up to with the firecracker dance number...I had high expectations for the dancing and choreography and Bleu nailed it." Full Review

"So sweetly wholesome that you experience a sugar rush while watching it, the show is corny and predictable. But it will surely provide a happy diversion for stressed-out theatergoers during the holiday season...Pinkham and Gayer prove an appealing romantic duo, while Bleu displays his formidable singing and dancing chops in his underwritten role...There may be lulls in between, but this is a 'Holiday Inn' you'll want to check into." Full Review

"We only have to sit back and relax. Open our hearts to the beautiful Irving Berlin songs and take in with all the love we have of choreographer Denis Jones’s spectacular dance numbers...Greenberg and Hodge kept the joy and the fun, and got rid of the awkward moments in the film...Return to a place that is warm and optimistic, even if it is a fantasy land filled with lovely music and great tap-dance numbers." Full Review

"Though Greenberg and Hodges' still rely on a feather-weight plot and feel-good nostalgia, it doesn't really matter. You see, the really new thing about their production is how smoothly they've mixed songs from the Irving Berlin canon in with those from the original movie...The production numbers showcase Aleji Vietti's snazzy costumes as well as Mr. Jones's choreography. Jones does particularly notable work with the first act's jump rope routines in 'Shakin'The Blues Away." Full Review

"Even though the authors have tried to insert some contemporary zest into this 1946-set story, the promise of newness is largely undeliverable. Thankfully, 'Holiday Inn' embraces its traditional nature wholeheartedly, turning this premiere into a jubilant throwback to a bygone era...When Jones' eye-popping steps are combined with the sounds of the elegant 13-piece band led by Andy Einhorn, 'Holiday Inn' shimmers with that breathless pleasure only musicals can deliver." Full Review

"If you are stressed out by the state of the nation, get yourself to Studio 54 where you can return to a simpler, gentler America, at least for 2+ hours...The lively choreography by Denis Jones is well executed by a chorus of 16...The large orchestra and attractive arrangements give Berlin his due. And hearing 'White Christmas' twice more won’t kill you. This Roundabout production may be the musical equivalent of comfort food, but a little comfort is most welcome these days." Full Review

"Director Gordon Greenberg and his co-book writer Chad Hodge, and most certainly choreographer Denis Jones, have avoided all things familiar in their various departments and have certainly turned this old thing into something new again...If there was ever a slight bit of shakiness in the second act plot line, I was more than willing to give the show that chance to catch its breath. Certainly the cast played as though every moment hit home, and sure enough, it found footing once again." Full Review

"It’s a show filled with the old-time virtues of old-time Broadway musical comedy. Nothing groundbreaking, provocative, intense or jolting. Just sit back and enjoy...The real strength of the show, as you might expect, though, lies in the Berlin hit parade...The plentiful choreography by Denis Jones often pumps them up to near show-stopping glory...True, the Jim-Linda romance never really sizzles with passion. However, those Berlin tunes provide all the romance you could want." Full Review

"Director Greenberg presents the Berlin songbook with a glow of romance and spice of fun...Pinkham adds charm and smooth tenor tones, lending a shy sexiness to Jim, but Corbin Bleu, as a self-involved, high-octane dancer, does not lend much personality or depth to his thinly sketched part...Greenberg and Hodge’s book is slight, but the performances, the music and the production are unpretentious, bright and fun. 'Holiday Inn' is old-fashioned fun any time of the year." Full Review

"Directed with generosity and warmth by Gordon Greenberg — and as performed by a pair of dashing and very endearing leading men, Bryce Pinkham and Corbin Bleu — this 'Holiday Inn' wears down all defenses...That all of these songs work together is more a testament to the sturdiness of Berlin's music — and the excellent singing throughout — than Greenberg and Hodges's script, which doesn't always make sense...Flaws and all, 'Holiday Inn' leaves you unreservedly happy." Full Review

"This production of 'Holiday Inn' is an instant classic. If you're expecting perfection, this is not your show. 'Holiday Inn' is all about the fun...Even as a formulaic musical comedy, 'Holiday Inn' fulfills the smile quota...Pinkham is a magnificent leading man. Pinkham’s charisma carried the show. Opposite Pinkham, Lora Lee Gayer is delightful...Broadway always needs a show that will do nothing short of entertain. 'Holiday Inn' is that show this season." Full Review

"This pleasing update includes memorable songs from that film plus a few other stylish Berlin tunes...The nostalgia factor is amped up with plenty of full, splashy dazzling dance numbers and lavish costumes. Jones has filled the cavernous stage with exuberant choreography, and the nimble, hardworking ensemble is airborne one minute, then dreamily waltzing the next...This tuneful confection of standards definitely harkens back to the golden age of musicals." Full Review

"There’s virtually nothing new about 'Holiday Inn'...The characters are so stock they’re practically cardboard. And the 'plot' is pretty much just a clothesline on which to hang Berlin’s songs. Still, you’d have to be a total Grinch not to melt even a little during Berlin’s comforting-as-cocoa Christmas ballad. And who couldn’t succumb to the charms of the tap-happy 'Shaking the Blues Away'...That’s all it takes to get the audience immediately into the holiday spirit." Full Review

"The show is indeed old-fashioned — but in a very pleasant way. It doesn't poke smug fun at itself, or, at the other end of the attitude spectrum, pretend with a straight face that tastes haven't changed in 75 years. Rather, it takes an appealing middle ground...Though 'Holiday Inn' might be a musical constructed according to a formula, it's a winning example of the type. Forgettable, perhaps, but fun while you're watching it." Full Review

"Book yourself into 'Holiday Inn' just to see the pyrotechnics when tap whiz Corbin Bleu dances around, dodging faux explosives that are snapping at his feet. The 'High School Musical' star breathes into it new life...'Holiday Inn' is a lovely excuse to get lost in the Berlin chestnuts, particularly as they’ve been reimagined by choreographer Jones. The new story sometimes tries too hard to be charming and old-fashioned, but overall 'Holiday Inn' is a satisfying autumn offering." Full Review

"The musical’s book, by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge is, at times, much too predictable, while its moments of self-conscious satire are welcome...But the spirit of the story, as well as the cast, who are directed by Greenberg, is infectious. Pinkham, an accomplished stage actor, brings a self-deprecating charm to the role of Jim, while Bleu’s joy at tapping on Broadway is apparent in every scene...It’s a good time for this tap-happy burst of optimism to arrive on Broadway." Full Review

"It’s a simple plot, typical of musical comedies from the '40s, mostly meant to entertain and be the conveyance for songs and dances. Lots of songs and dances. And by this measure, the new old-fashioned musical is entirely pleasant. It’s fun and fluffy, and has a creamy, sorbet-colored palette that’s pleasing to the eyes. The book feels fresh and modern, though some of the modernisms come off as a little anachronistic. That’s no bother, though." Full Review