Matt Loehr and John Scherer in White Christmas. Photo by Karen WarrenThe Hobby Center forecast calls for snow, with days (and nights) “merry and bright,” as Theatre Under The Stars presents a sparkling White Christmas.

The neatly crafted stage version of the classic holiday film in virtually every respect improves on the movie, showcasing an even bigger and better lineup of timeless songs by Irving Berlin.

TUTS’ current mounting (its second) boasts new leads, direction and choreography, but the impact is the same as in its 2008 staging: thoroughly traditional and consistently entertaining. No surprises — but most showgoers crave comfort food during the holiday season. And few things are more comforting than Berlin’s effortlessly endearing melodies and instinctively right lyrics, especially rendered with the feeling and flair they are given here.

The plot is slight and forgiveably corny, as ever.

Former Army buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a hit song-and-dance team 10 years after World War II, find their former commander, Gen. Waverly, running a near-bankrupt Vermont ski lodge,
bedeviled by a snowless December. They set out to save the day by trying out their new show in his barn, romancing sister act Betty and Judy Haines along the way.

David Ives and Paul Blake’s stage script streamlines and sharpens, clarifying relationships and giving the lead romance greater emotional pull. The sweetly sentimental scenes work, the comic ones have more punch and, overall, the script makes a serviceable, unobtrusive frame for the numbers.

The stage version keeps all movie’s best numbers, dropping a few minor ones, and adds eight more from Berlin’s voluminous catalog, both standards such as How Deep Is the Ocean and I Love a Piano and lesser known gems like Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun and Love and the Weather. Far more songs are used situationally and even the onstage numbers are set up better.

As a result, this adaptation is faithful enough to satisfy fans of the film, yet sufficiently different to give the stage show its own identity.

Director Bruce Lumpkin gives this rendition brisk pace and polish, with a light, easygoing touch befitting the material. Mary Jane Houdina’s lively choreography, danced with precision and spirit,
buoys the show at each opportunity — especially in such highlights as the splendid I Love a Piano production number at the top of Act 2, a true showstopper.

John Scherer is affability itself as Bob, the “nice guy” type who somehow keeps winding up on the outs with his intended; his smooth voice and sincere delivery seem tailor made for Count Your Blessings and How Deep Is the Ocean. Michelle DeJean acts Betty with quiet conviction and sings with style and feeling, especially in her bluesy Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me.

Matt Loehr is ideal as live-wire Phil, investing this cut-up with impish spirit. He’s a terrific song-and-dance man, sailing through The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing and I Love a Piano
with grace and zest. With her strong singing and
agile dancing, Danette Holden’s vivacious Judy makes a perfect partner for him.

Reprising roles from TUTS’ 2008 staging are: Carol Swarbrick, a born scene stealer as sarcastic housekeeper Martha, and a showstopper belting Let Me Sing and I’m Happy; and Kevin Cooney, poignant and dignified as Gen. Waverly. Anna Louizas’ handsome sets, Carrie Robbins’ attractive costumes and Jeff Rizzo’s spirited conducting are among the other key assets.

Count Your Blessings, advises one of Berlin’s simplest and wisest songs. Count White Christmas among them.

WHITE CHRISTMAS
7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays
8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m.
Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays
Through Dec. 18
Hobby Center
800 Bagby
$24-$109
713-558-8887