Ringing in the holiday season is Woodson High’s production of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” It features a cast and crew of 65, plus a 25-person pit orchestra, and Director Terri Hobson says it’s spectacular.

“The singing and dancing are phenomenal,” she said. “This was the year to do this show because we have strong voices and dancers, and I wanted to give my choreographers, Lexie McEntire and Lara Taylor, a good challenge.”

“It’s a fun, feel-good musical,” said Hobson. “And it’s really more about paying it forward than about Christmas.” Scenes take place at a New York nightclub, in a snowy town in Vermont and on a train en route to Vermont, and Hobson said audiences will enjoy everything about “White Christmas.”

“The music is so beautiful, especially the quintet singing, ‘The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,’” she said. “There’s awesome choreography and surprises in the sets – including a piano that does tricks – and people will leave filled with hope and joy.”

Senior Will Everett plays Bob Wallace, part of a song-and-dance act with Phil Davis. “They were Army buddies who entertained the troops with a Christmas show,” said Everett. “Then they became famous on Broadway and are now looking for new acts for their show. They find a sister act and all go to a Vermont inn owned by their former commanding officer. It’s not doing well, so they decide to put on a show to raise money. There are also romances between Bob and Phil and the sisters, Betty and Judy.”

“The show’s very jazzy and lots of people will know the songs.”

— Senior Will Everett

Bob’s so focused on business, that Phil’s tried to set him up with dates, but the relationships failed. But when Bob meets Betty, his whole life changes. “It’s my first lead and is an exciting opportunity,” said Everett. “The show’s very jazzy and lots of people will know the songs.”

Portraying Davis is senior Bryce Menard. “Phil likes having fun and is a ladies’ man and a flirt,” said Menard. “He has the most comedic lines and I like playing the comic foil.”

“It’s a happy, Christmas musical about the best gift you can give your best friend – your friendship,” he said. “I love the characters and the relationships and contrasts between them. And the costumes are fantastic; over 25 hours went into Betty’s and Judy’s finale costumes, alone.”

Senior Lexie McEntire plays Judy Haynes, the younger and more spirited sister. “She’s a schemer and a trickster and likes getting her way,” said McEntire. “She’s classy and poised and considers herself good wife material for Phil. I like playing her many different sides and emotions and getting to dance so much.”

She said audiences will like the story’s feeling of community. “People from different backgrounds come together to do something nice for the general,” said McEntire. “And it says something nice and honest about theater people.”

Senior Anna Phillips-Brown portrays Betty, who mothers Judy and wants her to make good choices. “Initially, she’s proper; but she eventually relaxes, remembers how to have fun and allows herself to find love,” said Phillips-Brown. “I’ve known Will since we were 4, so it’s been fun acting with him. And I admire how Betty is a feminist and has no problems asserting herself.”

She said people will like the show’s “feel-good vibe. It’s an American classic with a nice, happy ending with people singing while wearing color-coordinated outfits.”

Show timings are Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are adults, $12; Woodson students with IDs, $10; and senior citizens, $5, at the door; or $10, adults, at www.wtwdrama.org.