Santa is alive and well at the Renaissance Center! Miracle On 34th Street, presented by the Renaissance Players, challenges us all to believe that Santa is real and making wishes come true. “I believe… I believe… It’s silly, but I believe.” is the chant of 6 year old Susan ( played engagingly by Claudia Bennett) as she struggles with an awakening imagination clashing with the world’s reality as well as her desire to believe in the hope that is Christmas.
Susan’s mom, Doris walker ( played beautifully by Claudia’s mom, Jennifer Bennett), is plagued by the hassles of life common to every man or woman; trying to make a living and get the job done. In her harried and tainted life, Doris has no time or inclination to indulge in the fantasy that Santa Claus could be anything more than a nice man in a red suit. As the story unfolds not only is the very existence of Santa Claus on trial, so too is childhood magic and wonder.
The curtain opens and there he sits, Kris Kringle himself. Kringle, Mike Lyttle, is as jovial and charming as you would expect– both in character and out. It was quite enjoyable interviewing Santa as well as watching him make the whimsy that is Santa come alive on stage. Full-bearded Lyttle makes it easy to feel drawn into the very belief that Kringle is who he says he is. Declaring that playing Santa is his favorite role, Lyttle enjoys working with all the children. He is amused that in the month of December children look at him a little harder and a little longer and seem to improve their behavior .
The Renaissance Players,under the talented direction of Nathan Brown, bring joy to this Christmas season in this lighthearted play adapted from the novel Miracle On 34th Street by Valentine Davis. Nathan’s favorite part of each production is the sense of community, “strangers become friends and friends become family”. Forty percent of this cast is new to the stage for this play. Working with veterans of the stage to newbeeies that have no training let alone experience – Nathan instructed on the basics –stage direction, body placement, projection– and counted on his long time actors to help lead and support those who needed extra direction in the 5 weeks he had to pull this group together. The actors and stage personnel in community theater are volunteers who often hold down full time jobs and children who attend school full time. And yet they learn their lines ( little Claudia was the first “off Book” which means she knew her lines), show up for practice and enjoy the process.
Fred Gailey-or Uncle Fred- is played by newcomer Jeremy Hudgens, but you wouldn’t know he was one of the new kids on the block just by watching his performance. As a matter of fact he learned about the production the day before the auditions from his wife who wanted moral support so SHE could audition for the play. Obligingly, Jeremy accompanied his wife and joined her on stage to support her through her first stage audition. One reading from him led to another and he got a starring role. He is a natural and easily endearing. His reply when asked if he would do it again- “absolutely!”
Many people associated with the play are related – if parents or siblings have to hang around for practice, they might as well have a part in the play or be a part of the production! A popular play, 96 people auditioned for Miracle on 34th Street, Brown incorporated more roles to accommodate as many actors as possible. Jennifer Bennett and Claudia presented strong and enjoyable performances on stage as mother and daughter. Reportedly Claudia showed a strong singing voice from the early age of 2, belting out Somewhere Over the Rainbow to the astonishment of her parents. Claudia’s first role was playing a mouse in Cinderella and has enjoyed performing since then!
Tom Whiting, who plays Mr. Sawyer, met his wife Trudy who plays Dr. Pierce, while performing with community theater . There is a general consensus that community theater is a great way to bring people together who may not have otherwise met.
From charming children to snappy seniors, the stage was resplendent with talented actors and vocalists. Entertained by humorous mail carriers and moved by a little Dutch girl’s song, each performer brought great enthusiasm to make the Miracle on 34th Street a delight for this patron. For 2 hours I forgot all about the bills that need to be paid and the gifts that need to be purchased and just enjoyed the innocence of the possibilities and joy that believing in Santa brings.
Do yourselves a favor, gather your children and friends and support our local community theater by attending this most enjoyable play. You may just walk away believing…………..
For times, dates and ticket information: www.rcenter.org
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