Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

‘Tis the Season for Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn” at The 5th Avenue Theatre! Chock full of classic much-loved song and dance, this timely performance takes many of us back to the fondest of childhood memories.

The story line, for those unfamiliar, transports the audience to a Connecticut farm where Jim (Eric Ankrim) has moved to escape the demands of show business and love gone wrong. Exquisite detail in farmhouse, barn, church, and country set-designs (by Anna Louizos) are deliciously inviting – the perfect setting for the spirit of Christmas as snow flurries descend.

The high-spirited song and dance Ensemble, choreographed by James A. Rocco, is pure joy throughout the show.  Jim, Linda (Sarah Rose Davis), Ted (Matt Owen), and Ensemble, deliver difficult, outstanding tap routines with extraordinary ease.

While the audience refrained (mostly) from singing along with well-known tunes, I was intrigued by the preteen girl next to me who softly joined in a time or two. Wouldn’t an audience sing-along be a delightful addition to this show’s ending!

“Holiday Inn” plays The 5th Avenue Theatre now through December 31. Tickets here.

Photos by Mark Kitaoka