Radio play version of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ starts tonight
Renew your belief in the magic of Christmas once more as the Shandaken Theatrical Society presents that holiday film favorite “Miracle on 34th Street” as a live radio play. Performances begin Friday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m. at the STS Playhouse, 10 Church St., Phoenicia.
“Miracle” is best known as a 1947 hit comedydrama film by George Seaton about the chaos that ensues when a Macy’s Santa Claus claims to be the real thing, and his impact on his cynical boss and her equally disbelieving little girl. But the STS production is based on Seaton’s adaptation for radio, presented the following year as part of “The Lux Radio Hour,” featuring members of the original cast of the movie, including Maureen O’Hara and Edmund Gwenn.
The society’s version is set in a radio station studio on the night of the original Lux broadcast on Dec. 20, 1948. A cast of 11 portrays over 20 characters in a story set between Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York City. Adding to the fun will be the announcer’s recreation of vintagestyle radio ads of the day, but using Phoenicia area businesses to give it a local twist.
The production will be directed by longtime Shandaken Theatrical Society veteran Linda Burkhardt. The cast members are Tom Alfano, Kailee Cornelison, David Dancyger, Ann Davies, Erin Giuditta, Bridget Harkin, Burr Hubble, Jeremy McLaughlin, Amos Newcombe, Alan Shevlo and Faye Storms.
Other crew members include Gary Kromirs, sound designer; Brook Harrison, stage manager; Linda Burkhardt, costume
designer; Michael Koegel and Burr Hubble, set design; and John Stobaeus, lighting designer.
Additional performances this weekend are Saturday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. The production runs through Dec. 18, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
General admission is $20, $18 for students and seniors. Children ages 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult will be admitted for $5.
Tickets can be bought at the theater’s box office or by calling (845) 688-2279. Visit stsplayhouse.com for more information.