MCS Theatre Club presents ‘White Christmas’ musical

Coming off the huge success of its recent stage adaptation of The Breakfast Club, Mount Carmel School’s Theatre Club is gearing up for its next show, a musical production of White Christmas, which will feature swinging jazz music from the award-winning Guam Territorial Band.

Members of the Guam Territorial Band will provide the music for White Christmas. (Contributed Photo)

Theatre Club veteran Jonathan Pangelinan, right, directs students in White Christmas. (Contributed Photo)

At the helm of White Christmas as director is Theatre Club veteran Jonathan Pangelinan, who has starred in numerous productions, notably as Olaf in last year’s hit production of The Snow Queen. Despite his experience, though, Pangelinan has found that directing is a completely different experience. As he puts it, “It’s been difficult, especially because this is my first time leading this many people. But it’s also interesting because I get to see how a play gets made. When you’re a cast member, you don’t see that.”

Despite the transition, Pangelinan is very excited about directing this show. “I always looked up to people who directed plays, and after learning more about this story, I knew I had to direct this show. I especially love the way the romance works out in the story for the two couples.”

More importantly, Pangelinan felt it was important to raise the community’s spirits in light of tragedies that have struck the island and the global community in the past few months, including Super Typhoon Soudelor and the recent terrorist attacks. “Lately, not a lot of good things have been happening, so I’m hoping that this show will be one of the good things that happens in our community so that people will experience the joy and happiness of Christmas.”

This will not be the first time that the Theatre Club has staged White Christmas. The club performed the show back in 1998 as its first musical production, which at the time featured another award-winning band, the University of Guam Jazz Band. The club is revisiting White Christmas as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. This time, however, the story has been adapted for a local audience. As Pangelinan hinted, “It has very Saipan-esque changes. People will recognize a lot of the references, especially AlumKnights.” 

White Christmas will be performed on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, at Saipan World Resort. Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets are $25 for premium, front-row seats, $10 for preferred seats closer to the stage, and $5 for general admission seats. Tickets can be purchased at the school’s Business Office or at the door. However, due to limited seating, advanced purchase of tickets is recommended. For more information, call 234-6184 or visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com. (MCS)