“Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical”

[rating=3]When the “holiday” season comes, so do the holiday plays. Some are great, some are okay and some are just not what I would call memorable. I loved the original film, “Miracle on 34th Street. I always felt that it was a nice film with a warm story and one that taught people about kindness and what the “spirit” of the holiday, called Christmas is all about. I am one that feels that making a musical out of every classic film is not the way to go. The Wizard of Oz ( now at The Paramount) works. “Holiday Inn” ( now at Marriott ) works. I, for one think that the “Miracle on 34th Street” that is onstage now at Theatre at the Center is only so-so.

Do not get me wrong. I think Linda Fortunato has a solid cast ,bringing this story to the stage, but I think the book is weaker than the film.. Note: the play has changed titles many times since its original Broadway opening (and closing) in 1963. Merdith Wilson may have taken on too much in converting this beautiful story (Valentine Davies with a screenplay by George Seaton-1947) to a live musical. Most of the music in the play is just there! “It’s Love” and “Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” are the standout numbers that one will remember.

Fortunato’s direction and choreography is splendid and her cast, a pleasure to watch. Maybe someone should consider cutting this down to a sparkling 90 minutes and do a bit more on the book to show how Doris Walker ( Courtney Jones is better than the role she is given to play) rose to her high position at Macy’s back in this period. Why did law student, Fred Gaily ( Christopher Kale Jones- great singing range) fresh out of the marines befriend Doris’s daughter Susan (the charming and adorable Stella Rose Hoyt)?

Today, if a stranger started up with a young girl, I would think authorities would be called in. That is just a little weakness in the telling of the story. Kris Kringle ( played with great heart and soul by Chicago favorite Neil Friedman) just walks into the Macy’s ( 34th street location) and the Santa just happens to be sitting there drunk! See what I mean about a weak book!

The story is simple. A Man who might be Santa is hired to be Santa at Macy’s. He changes the way that business is done in all of New York, but there are those who feel he must be crazy and so they challenge his sanity. A trial takes place where he must prove that he is indeed THE Santa. Not to give away the story, the young lawyer, who had been rejected by the young single parent, defends the would be Santa and they all live happily ever after.

The ensemble is strong (stronger than the material). Dan Klarer ( an inane character), Michael Kingston ( as THE Mr. Macy), Sam Shankman, Hope Elizabeth Schafer, Rick Rapp, Matthew Huston, Rachel Klippel, Haley Jane Schafer, Trequon Tate, Chris Carter, Michel Potsic, Veronica Garza, Ashley Lanyon, Amir Henderson, Liliana Rene and Ethan Solis ( who has a major part in the verdict. All hard working and energetic. I only wish they had better material to work with.

The set (Richard and Jacqueline Penrod) is very workable and allows for quick movement from scene to scene. The lighting (G. “Max” Main IV), and sound (Barry G. Funderburg) and costumes (Brenda instead) were all well done. I loved the doll and toy costumes and the Santa suit is divine. The props assembled by Devon Green were all perfect and William Underwood, as always and his four musicians make beautiful music out of a so-so score.

While I do not love this script and am not crazy about the music, I must say that Theatre at The Center does put on a slick production and you will leave the theater with a warm feeling in your heart. They make the most out of the material they were given to work with.

You can see for yourself as “Miracle on 34th Street” will continue at Theatre at the Center, located at 1040 Ridge Rd, in Munster thru December 23rd with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  2 p.m.

Thursdays  2 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2:30 p.m.

There are some added performances that can be found on the website

http://www.TheatreAtTheCenter.comwhere you can also purchase tickets which range from $42-$46

You can also visit the box office or call 219-836-3255 or 800-511-1532

Munster is a short trip from Chicago and Plenty of free parking at this facility.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-up and click at “Miracle on 34th Street:The Musical”