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If you're at all familiar with the 1954 movie "White Christmas," you know that it's little more than a sweetly sentimental vehicle for Irving Berlin's timeless tunes fueled by the star power of its celebrated cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.

It's strictly old-fashioned and saccharine by today's standards, and yet, for those of you willing to partake of this holiday treacle, hats off to its creative team who reproduced its dated charms for the stage as if it were a vintage photograph.

The plot is paper thin and hopelessly contrived. A pair of Army buddies partner up to become a successful song and dance team, Wallace and Davis, in the 1950s. They meet up with a sister act and follow them to a gig in Vermont, where they happen to run into their old general, who's fallen on hard times. He happens to be the proprietor of the inn where the ladies are booked to sing.

Flush with the Christmas spirit, Wallace and Davis decide to put on a show in the general's barn to spark business. Along the way, love bells ring and well, you know the rest.

The joy of this production is in the detailed recreation, particularly the musical numbers. Stephen Bogardus may be no crooner like Bing, but in every other way he's a solid match and a better actor. Jeffry Denman in the Danny Kaye role has just the right comic energy and lithe dancing feet. The husky-voiced Rosemary Clooney part is played with fine flair by Kerry O'Malley. And the graceful Meredith Patterson does beautifully in the Vera-Ellen role.

Comic relief comes from Susan Mansur as the brassy hotel receptionist. A special mention goes to the tiny Melody Hollis with the big voice as the general's granddaughter.

Director Walter Bobbie deserves credit for wrapping up this package so seamlessly. David Ives and Paul Blake's book simplifies the story, while keeping it a 50's relic. Anna Louizos sets the mood nicely with a whole sound stage worth of elaborate sets. And Randy Skinner's dazzling choreography seemed to leap right out of a time machine.

If not for Berlin's glorious tunes, this old chestnut would likely feel half baked. But if you're hankering for a familiar if frivolous fix from the 50s, "White Christmas" is the perfect gift.