Miracle on 34th Street

Of course there is a Santa Claus!   Not only was he (AKA Kevin Stuart) on stage in a lead roll as Kris Kringle - and playing him superbly - but I also met him after the show, stroked his  (real) beard and only just resisted the urge to ask him for a train set on Christmas day!  Ideally cast for this warm hearted, avuncular yet vulnerable character, Kevin graced this highly watchable show throughout. His real life Mrs Claus (AKA Jane Hogg) playing the feisty store counsellor, Mrs Sawyer with impressive timing and charisma, co-directed with Kevin;  both stepping into the director's seat. to save the show, after the original director left.

The theme of goodness versus rampant commercialism set in and around Macy's department store in New York City - where better - and later in the court room is still so relevant today. The timelessness of the Santa Claus fable - so interestingly explored in Helier Dreux's programme notes - is at the heart of this very human story.

A host of highly experienced and talented principals played key roles:  Michelle Radcliffe excelled as the driven, no nonsense personnel manager Doris Walker.    Her very young, initially unbelieving, daughter Susan was played with charm and a maturity well beyond her tender years, by Harriet Thynne. The indomitable Ziggi Szafranski endowed the warm hearted attorney Fred with his usual panache and zest. Ziggi is much in demand throughout local theatreland - it is not hard to understand why!

Mark Nicholson was the epitome of the hard bitten R H Macy, very well cast.   Brian Fraser was the fun loving, toy alligator buying, store buyer Marvin Shellhammer, desperately and innovatively attempting to flog thousands of the rubber monsters. His was a highly likeable performance, his song "Plastic Alligator", backed up by several clerks, was a hoot!

Roger Nelson was the persuadable Judge Martin Group "judiciously" deciding that Kris Kringle was indeed Santa Claus.   Hard bitten, this judge, but with an obvious sense of self preservation.   Very well pitched Roger!

Adrian Martin was yer man Tammany from God's own country, Ireland. His accent would not be found out even were he to stand a round of drinks in Dublin itself.    Mine's a Guinness please Adrian and well done yerself!

Terry Foster was the grimly determined  District Attorney Thomas Mara Senior - grilling Kris, who was exceedingly well grilled - only to be stumped by his own son, Thomas Mara Junior - played with clear diction and much promise by nine year old Mikey Thompson - who "blew the gaffe" that Senior had previously told him Santa was real.

When several post office workers arrived with sack after sack full of letters to Santa, dumped in the court room, Santa's "reality" was confirmed and the D.A. was forced to admit defeat.

Isabelle Pond also impressed as the young Dutch speaking girl Henrika, in conversation with Kris. Other, still young, adults who caught the eye were Ross McFadden as Alvin, Chris Powell as Climber and Kier Gilbert-Halladey as Whitney. Their song with Fred "She hadda go back" really hit the heights. Another young twenty-something was Lauren Payne playing Miss Crookshank; an already accomplished performer, I predict a big future for Lauren.

A strong chorus playing multiple small roles, Thanksgiving Day revellers, shop workers, shoppers, court room watchers etc.  underpinned this show giving the story real depth. Other young children also played a full part in the enthusiastic and energetic chorus.

The directors had opted, sensibly, not to use constant complete scene changes, but to use the sets sparingly. A large metal construction in isosceles triangle form was used most effectively for multiple scenes - Macy's window, Santa's grotto, Fred's home, Doris' home and more beside. Clever use of lighting by Will Perkins (for show LX) added much to the good effects of the staging.

Costumes by Lois Hatt and Sue Bracher were of good standard, appropriate to the season and period, looking well fitted, though surely all gentlemen, when outdoors, would have worn hats in that era and season especially. Otherwise I noticed nothing out of kilter. Hairstyles were appropriate for the time.

The choreography by Vanessa Chambers was not over elaborate in general, but was used most effectively. The march past and cheerleaders in bright costumes were particularly well done and the whole Thanksgiving Day scenes impressed with their energy and precision. The balloons sections were also excellent. I also much liked "That Man over there is Santa Claus" (Macy and ensemble) and the reprise in "Case dismissed" (by the Company)      

The four piece band under Musical Director Jamie Cordell was vibrant, up beat, though a little overpowering when under dialogue on the odd occasion. Company singing was tuneful to the ear and many of the musical numbers were tinglingly beautiful and I highlight the singing in the following: all ensemble numbers, which were of top quality (which truly showcases the depth of really good singers in this company);  Bugles (Kris and Hendrika);  My Wish (Fred and Susan); Look Little Girl (Fred); She Hadda Go Back (Fred, Alvin, Whitney and Climber); My State, My Kansas (Doris, Macy, Shellhammer, Tammany and Judge).

Though the story is far from being the most profound in a musical, the company succeeded in conveying it's charm and beauty to a clearly impressed audience and certainly to myself.

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