EAST HADDAM — In the 1940s, composer Irving Berlin was contracted by Paramount Pictures to write twelve new songs for an upcoming film. That film was Holiday Inn, and the surprise hit song from that film that leapt onto the charts and into everyone’s hearts was “White Christmas.”

Fast forward to 1954 and an entire movie was built around the song using the tried and true “let’s put on a show in a barn” storyline that had been a staple in the movie musical genre from its inception. It then took over 50 years to bring this perfect-for-the-stage movie musical to Broadway.

That Broadway adaptation is now tapping its toes in a high-energy delightful new production at Goodspeed Opera House, under the direction of Hunter Foster.

The premise is simple: two ex-Army men, Bob and Phil, become song and dance men who tour the world with their double act. They meet two sisters, Betty and Judy, who also have a song and dance act.

The two men fall head over heels for the women and take a little detour, following Betty and Judy to a failing inn in Vermont. They soon find Vermont isn’t exactly what they had expected. The story, however, is: White Christmas is the definition of good old-fashioned musical comedy.

The show features many of Irving Berlin’s most famous songs, including “Happy Holidays,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and of course that title song itself.

This lavish new production stars Clyde Alves as Phil Davis and Omar Lopez-Cepero as Bob Wallace, in the roles made famous on screen by Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby.

Alves and Lopez-Cepero do not disappoint. Their chemistry and liveliness on stage are a joy to watch. Alves plays the girl-crazy jokester Phil Davis with humor and heart. His dance skills rival Fred Astaire (who, interestingly enough, was reportedly the first choice to play Phil Davis in the movie). Lopez-Cepero brings debonair sophistication and wry sarcasm to Bob Wallace.

Lauren Nicole Chapman takes on the role of Betty Haynes, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Rosemary Clooney. Those are big shoes to fill, but Chapman does it with ease. Her big solo number in act two, “Love, You Didn’t Do Right by Me,” is a beautiful eleven o’clock number, tugging at the heart strings.

Jonalyn Saxer takes on the role of Judy Haynes, once immortalized by Vera Ellen. Saxer’s dancing skills shine through here, bringing the house down along with Alves leading the opening of act two’s big tap number, “I Love Piano.’”

As General Henry Waverly — the former commander of Bob and Phil and current owner of the inn — Bruce Sabath is a lovable curmudgeon. He spends most of his scenes sparring with Aurelia Williams, who plays his no-nonsense receptionist Martha Watson.

Williams gets some of the biggest laughs throughout the night with many of her sassy one liners. She really shines in the showstopping number “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.”

The ensemble of Goodspeed’s White Christmas might be one of the hardest working ensembles we’ve seen in a while. They flawlessly execute Kelli Barclay’s intricate choreography.

For those looking for good old-fashioned fun, look no further than White Christmas in East Haddam.

Performances run through December 31. Visit goodspeed.org for tickets and more information.