Holiday Inn at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
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Date Reviewed: 06/12/2025
As Aussies, we may not celebrate a “White” Christmas but we can certainly appreciate the sentiment. Irving Berlin’s musical, “Holiday Inn” is all about celebrating that special kind of Christmas. It’s one that harks back to the golden age of Broadway and brims with lots of heart, soul, and a glamourous sense of style to boot.
The musical playing at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta is an adaption of a 1942 Bing Crosby film. The movie shares its name with one of his most famous (and most covered) tunes. While there are some parts of the script that show its age, at its core this is a sweet, old-fashioned love story.
Jim Hardy (Rob Mallett) is a crooner and a dancer who yearns for a simple life in the country. Mallett plays him with an affable charm. At a New York City nightclub, Hardy proposes to his girlfriend, Lila Dixon (Paloma Renouf). She accepts one minute, only to eventually rebuff him as she chases the bright lights and fortunes of fame. Renouf gives a strong performance in this role, sitting somewhere between Lucille Ball’s shrill “Oh Ricky!” cries and the villainous Lina Lamont in “Singin’ in the Rain.”
In the countryside, Jim is helped by his caretaker, Louise (Paige Fallu). She is the smart girl in the room, trying to bring together a love affair between her new master and her previous one, Linda Mason (Mary McCorry). The latter is a school teacher who has her own talents on stage. McCorry bring a real sense of grace and common sense to this role. The only thing that could go wrong with these new lovebirds dancing cheek to cheek is Jim’s friend Ted (Max Patterson), as he has a tendency of running off with his mate’s dance partners.
Jim’s dreams of making a go on the farm fail. The only solution is to convert the place into a rollicking Holiday Inn and bring Hollywood to the burbs, especially around Vacation time. This means there are many big showstopping tunes, lots of tapdancing, and other vibrant dance numbers thanks to some energetic choreography by Veronica Beattie George.
Sally Dashwood’s direction is all about celebrating the fun and levity of this piece. This is apparent as all the members of the ensemble have great big smiles on their faces at every turn. Lighting designer, Veronique Benett brings some clever transitions to the piece, even ensuring there are great pops of purple light when firecrackers are warranted in the script. This is dazzling, much like Brendan de la Hay’s costumes, which pop with colour and stay true to this post-war period.
“Holiday Inn” is a delightful slice of nostalgic fun. It has some funny moments and is such a happy piece that this makes it a great gift this festive season. This is the kind of show to bring your Ma and Pa along to, as you will laugh, cry and all walk away with the cockles of your heart warmed. Sweet.
Reviewed by Natalie Salvo.