A Live Musical Radio Play

Miracle on 34th Street – BrightSide Theatre

Last holiday season, Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak, much like every other venue, were simply trying keep BrightSide Theatre afloat during the pandemic shutdown. This year it’s a different story. Although we’re still dealing with Covid-19, it’s become a little more under control. The virus, however, has made health and safety demands on most restaurants and entertainment venues. BrightSide is one of hundreds of theatres that demand proof of vaccination from their patrons and insist upon their wearing masks throughout the evening. But the best news is that BrightSide Theatre is back again. And with its return, the company has resurrected a very popular classic holiday story for the reopening of its doors. The story, set to original music, asks the question, Is there really a Santa Claus?  

It’s 1947, and Doris Walker, the employee in charge of organizing Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, discovers at the last minute that she has to replace Santa Claus. She fortuitously runs into an elderly gentleman named Kris Kringle, who she hires on the spot. He’s so kind and convincing that she’s persuaded to keep him on as the department store’s official Jolly Ol’ Elf. Embittered by her recent divorce, Doris has taught her young daughter Susan to be a realist in life. When Mr. Kringle claims to actually be Santa he sways Susan into believing in him. Suddenly Doris’ neighbor and lawyer friend, Fred Gailey finds himself defending Mr. Kringle’s authenticity in a New York court of law, with the end results challenging even the most hardened non-believer.

BrightSide Theatre has energized the Chicagoland holiday scene with their new dramatic adaptation of the beloved film, “Miracle on 34th Street.” Although there’s a Meredith Willson musical version of this film entitled “Here’s Love,” this is not your traditional musical comedy. BrightSide’s production is a cleverly written and beautifully performed live musical radio play. It’s based upon both the Valentine Davies novel and the classic film it inspired, that starred Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and introduced a young Natalie Wood. 

Written by Lance Arthur Smith, the engaging script is actually adapted from a 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast. It features the music of Jon Lorenz, whose original songs are cute but basically forgettable. However, the strength of his score is the performance of a slew of authentic commercial jingles of the day, along with several traditional Christmas carols. Songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Good King Wenceslas” have been brilliantly arranged as close harmonic melodies, in the style of the pop music of the 1940’s. The delicious vocal blends, smoothly executed by this talented cast, both help create a holiday mood and offer transitions between scenes. The sheer simplicity of this theatrical piece, presented by a gifted ensemble of earnest and likable actors/singers who hold prop scripts, is a welcome departure from other holiday fare.

Jeffrey Cass has done a crackerjack job of directing this production, staging his cast around the four floor microphones and keeping the show exciting and well-paced. This play with music is nicely nestled upon Barry Norton’s joyously jubilant scenic design. It’s a set that’s both beautiful, simple and functional. Musical direction for the show is guided by Rex Meyer, who also provides the lively onstage piano accompaniment. Ruby Lowe’s lighting keeps the mood festive, especially with all the holiday lights and the overhead Applause Sign. And Shana Hall’s period costumes are, as always, absolutely appropriate for the story. 

The entire seven-member company is well-cast and terrifically talented. Each actor portrays a fictional radio performer who, in turn, is playing  a character (or more than one) in the holiday story. As Doris Walker, lovely, vibrantly talented Christie Coran is truly the shining star of this production. She’s absolute perfection, both in her honest, layered portrayal of her character, and as an incredibly talented vocalist. Robert McDonough makes a handsome, likable Fred Gailey. He also steps into the role of Mr. Gimbel, the head of the famed NYC department store that was Macy’s rival for years. Mr. McDonough is a strong, accomplished singer whose voice blends seamlessly with the other actors, especially Ms Coran, and is a solid soloist, as well.

Young actress Sara Deodhar is dead-on in her portrayal of precocious, eight-year-old Susan Walker, Doris’ jaded, realist daughter. Sean Rhead is quite wonderful as the radio program announcer, Alex Mialdo, often adding his voice to the choral numbers. Mr. Rhead operates an arsenal of props to create the live sound effects that enhance the play. Both Scott Kelley and Katy Grocholski are impressive in their ability to play multiple roles as the male and female Character Actors of the play. But the story belongs to veteran Chicago actor Jim Heatherly, as Kris Kringle. His honest, unaffected portrayal of the man who would be Santa is one of this actor’s finest performances, and will bring a tear to your eye.

“Miracle on 34th Street” is a classic for a reason. It’s a beloved, entertaining holiday story for the young and young-at-heart. It also offers a positive message that will stick with audiences long after the curtain falls. Thanks to Mr. Cass’ fine casting and expert direction, as well as the collaborative efforts of this talented cast and crew, Chicagoland has a unique production that’s bound to become a new holiday favorite. If before this show you didn’t believe in Santa Claus, you will now.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 10-19 by BrightSide Theatre, performed at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-447-8497 or by going to www.brightsidetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.