BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Episode: Special Episode: Clayton, Garvin on the Joy of ‘White Christmas’
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Matt Tamminini
Guests: Max Clayton and Casey Garvin, Stars of Papermill Playhouse's Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Introduction

In this special holiday episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tamminini engages in a heartfelt conversation with Max Clayton and Casey Garvin, the dynamic leads of Papermill Playhouse's current production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. With the show running until December 29th, Max and Casey share their experiences, insights, and the festive preparations that bring this classic musical to life each holiday season.

Preparing for the Show

Holiday Music as a Motivator

As the holiday season approaches, Max and Casey reveal how they immerse themselves in festive tunes to get into the Christmas spirit before each performance.

• Max Clayton [00:02:01]: "We've been listening to holiday music before the show during our warmup in the dressing room... Kelly Clarkson's Christmas albums, they've been just on loop kind of."

• Casey Garvin [00:02:21]: "Max is a huge Kelly Clarkson fan. We had a Secret Santa party, and Max's Secret Santa got him one of Kelly Clarkson's Christmas albums... we absolutely jumped around, got our minds and bodies ready thanks to Ms. Kelly Clarkson."

Expanding the Holiday Playlist

Beyond Kelly Clarkson, the duo incorporates other artists to maintain high energy levels essential for their performances.

• Casey Garvin [00:02:58]: "I love Ariana Grande's Christmas music."

• Max Clayton [00:03:05]: "Honestly, though, if not a specific album, it's just a good old playlist, or a good old station, if you will, the holiday classics."

• Casey Garvin [00:03:14]: "We need a little bit of high energy before this show because we start the show off with a bang... the pop divas give us the energy we need."

Choreography and Performance Dynamics

Balancing Dance and Singing

Both Max and Casey discuss the choreography tailored for their roles, highlighting the show's energetic opening numbers.

• Matt Tamminini [00:03:32]: "You guys are both like legit dancers. Have they incorporated a little bit more choreography in this show that you would normally have?"

• Max Clayton [00:04:03]: "As far as the original stage production goes... I'm basically doing exactly as it was created in 2005... They didn't add more stylistically, I'm adding my own stuff, like during Blue Skies."

• Casey Garvin [00:04:22]: "As someone who's watching Max get to do Blue Skies and the way that we both dance together... it just adds that extra level to have someone who is a dancer."

Praise for Choreographer Randy Skinner

Max expresses his admiration for the legendary choreographer responsible for the show's memorable numbers.

• Max Clayton [00:04:48]: "Randy Skinner... he has made some of the greatest production numbers in Broadway history... it feels so good... it's smooth, it's happy, it's lifted, it's gorgeous."

The Timeless Appeal of ‘White Christmas’

Heartwarming Themes Beyond the Holidays

Max and Casey delve into what makes White Christmas resonate with audiences across generations.

• Max Clayton [00:05:56]: "While it's a holiday-specific show... it's about the season of giving... a group of people rallying together to save something special to a community. What's more Christmassy than that?"

• Casey Garvin [00:06:28]: "It's a classic show with a structure that moves a little faster than some of the old-school musicals, which appeals to modern audiences while retaining its nostalgic charm."

Nostalgia and Classic Broadway Feel

The production's nostalgic elements and classic Broadway structure contribute to its enduring popularity.

• Max Clayton [00:07:03]: "It's so nostalgic. They just don't make them like this anymore."

• Matt Tamminini [00:07:11]: "Paper Mill in Millburn, New Jersey is a pretty cool, picturesque place to be spending the holidays."

• Casey Garvin [00:07:29]: "It literally is out of a picture book. It's stunning."

Ensemble and Cast Dynamics

Camaraderie Among Cast Members

Max and Casey highlight the strong bonds formed among the cast, especially during the busy holiday season.

• Max Clayton [00:08:13]: "This group of people came into the rehearsal room every day... they were opening night ready. I can't sing their praises enough."

• Casey Garvin [00:09:03]: "We're spending five days a week, all hours of the day together. It creates a special bond, especially around Christmas."

Generous and Supportive Environment

The cast's supportive nature fosters a sense of family and camaraderie.

• Casey Garvin [00:10:05]: "Annie, who plays Susie, gifted me a sweatshirt, which was so sweet."

• Max Clayton [00:10:28]: "Although Paper Mill's merch is great."

Audience Experience

Evoking Joy and Emotional Connection

The production aims to leave audiences with a sense of joy and emotional fulfillment.

• Max Clayton [00:12:56]: "It's just joy. It's such a nice reminder that there's good in the world."

• Casey Garvin [00:12:57]: "I keep using joy to describe the show... it's like wrapping yourself in a nice Christmas sweater."

Magical Moments on Stage

Both actors share their favorite moments that showcase the magic of live theater.

• Max Clayton [00:15:07]: "When we perform 'Sisters', it's just one of my favorite scenes... it's such fun each night."

• Casey Garvin [00:15:45]: "The big finale, 'White Christmas', where we connect with the audience and each other, is a beautiful moment every night."

Working with Robin Herder

Collaborative Spirit

Max and Casey talk about their experiences working with the talented Robin Herder, praising her leadership and infectious enthusiasm.

• Max Clayton [00:13:52]: "Do whatever you think you should or could or want to do, do it twice as much."

• Casey Garvin [00:14:11]: "Robin is amazing... a true leader in the room and down to clown. She's an inspiration to so many."

Behind the Scenes and Personal Touches

Casting and Personal Gestures

The actors share personal moments and touches that make their performances unique.

• Max Clayton [00:14:57]: "Watching Ashley Blanchett and Kelly Byrne perform together is always fun... they're both so wildly talented."

• Casey Garvin [00:16:10]: "Seeing someone step into the passerelle and connect with the audience during the finale is incredibly moving."

Holiday Plans and Final Thoughts

Balancing Work and Family

Despite the busy performance schedule, both Max and Casey emphasize the importance of spending time with family during the holidays.

• Casey Garvin [00:17:58]: "Family."

• Max Clayton [00:17:59]: "I'm excited to see my nieces and my sister."

Celebratory Hot Cocoa Moments

The episode concludes with a light-hearted mention of their plans to enjoy hot cocoa with fellow cast members.

• Max Clayton [00:18:26]: "Savannah and Annie are having a hot chocolate bar tonight in their dressing room, and they just invited us."

• Casey Garvin [00:18:36]: "Shots of hot cocoa. Classic."

Conclusion

Max Clayton and Casey Garvin's heartfelt conversation on BroadwayRadio offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the joy and dedication behind Irving Berlin's White Christmas. From festive preparations and heartfelt performances to the strong camaraderie among the cast, this episode beautifully encapsulates what makes this production a holiday favorite for audiences of all ages. As the show approaches its final week, Max and Casey extend their warmest holiday wishes, embodying the very spirit they bring to the stage.

Notable Quotes:

• Max Clayton [00:04:48]: "Randy Skinner... the greatest production numbers in Broadway history."

• Casey Garvin [00:12:57]: "I keep using joy to describe the show... it's like wrapping yourself in a nice Christmas sweater."

• Casey Garvin [00:14:11]: "Robin is amazing... a true leader in the room and down to clown."