Miracle on 34th Street
Toby’s Dinner Theatre: (Info) (Web)
Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, MD
Through January 5th
2:45 with intermission
$51-$56/$38 Children
Reviewed November 23rd, 2013
Miracle on 34th Street is certainly one of the great Christmas classics. In the 1960′s, Meredith Wilson created the stage musical version title Here’s Love, but it has now been retitled Miracle on 34th Street and comes beautifully to life at the hands of director Shawn Kettering. The production brings to life the holiday cheer and magic with great gusto.
The scene is beautifully set around the room with New York City skyline and shopping signs. Simple set pieces and lifelike props bring the various locations to life enhanced with a stunning light design. The costumes are full of color and beautifully transport the cast back in time.
The action begins when Kris Kringle (Robert Biederman 125) arrives on the scene at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. It soon becomes clear that, as far as he is concerned, he is the actual Santa Claus. Biederman gives a jovial and believable performance as the magical man. He especially brings his magic to the life of Doris Walker (Heather Marie Beck). Beck shines in the musical number and the comedic moment, but she sometimes has a hard time bringing believable depth to the more serious side of Doris.
Providing solid performances in pivotal roles are Jeffrey Shankle, who is charming and gets to show off his powerhouse tenor voice as Fred Gaily, and Lawrence B. Munsey, who is larger than life as the powerful R.H. Macy. In the comedic role of Marvin Shellhammer, Darren McDonnell is simply delightful. Will Emory also delivers in a scene-stealing turn as Mr. Sawyer. Throughout the ensemble is powerful in vocals, sharp in choreography, and transform into a variety interesting supporting characters.
The real star of the show, in this performance, was Ella Boodin as Susan Walker. She was beyond precious, brought emotional depth and sparkle to the show, and had a lovely voice. The other children in the show are also very strong and just adorable in their featured moments throughout.
So, if you are looking for pleasant holiday fare that is truly appropriate for all ages, Toby’s has an excellent professional offering worth considering in this consistent production of Miracle on 34th Street.
Cast
Doris Walker: Heather Marie Beck
Susan Walker: Ella Boodin or Sadie Herman
Fred Gaily: Jeffrey Shankle
Kris Kringle: Robert Biederman 125
Marvin Shellhammer: Darren McDonnell
R. H. Macy: Lawrence B. Munsey
Mr. Sawyer, Climber: Will Emory
Miss Crookshank, Male Shoppers Wife: Santina Maiolatesi
Judge Martin Group, Drunk Santa, NY Governor: David Bosley-Reynolds
Tammany O’Halloran, Troubled Clerk, Mr. Gimbel: David James
Thomas Mara, Sr., Balloon Vendor, Male Shopper, Mayor of NY: Shawn Kettering
Alvin, Goldilocks, Clerk, Mailman: Nick Lehan
Whitey, Bailiff, Policeman: David Little
Ciara, Lady Shopper: MaryKate Brouillet
Miss Sims, Henrika’s Mother: Lara Zinn
Sherry Finfer: Lucy Herman or Lily Ulman
Mrs. Finfer, Mrs. Beeler: Coby Kay Callahan
Henrika: Caroline Otchet or Samantha Yakaitis
Tommy Mara, Jr.: Gavin Willard or Theo Yu
Girl Scout: Amanda Kaplan
Swings: Tina DeSimone & A.J. Whittenberger
Production Staff
Director: Shawn Kettering
Musical Director: Douglas Lawler
Choreographer: Mark Minnick
Scenic Designer: David A. Hopkins
Costume Designer: Lawrence B. Munsey
Lighting Designer: Lynn Joslin
Sound Designer: Jimmy Engelkemier
Production Manager: Vickie S. Johnson
Production Stage Manager: Kate Wackerle
Stage Managers: Drew Dedrick, Kate Wackerle
Technical Director: Jimmy Engelkemier
Master Carpenter: David A. Hopkins
Set Construction: David A. Hopkins, Russell Sunday, Ian Wallace
Properties & Set Dressing: Amy Kaplan
Light Board Operators: Coleen M. Foley, Heather Williams
Sound Board Operators: Drew Dedrick, Jimmy Engelkemier
Stage Crew: Laura Blasi, Jason Britt, Erin MacDonald
Orchestra
Piano/Conductor: Douglas Lawler or Pamela Witt
Keyboard 2: Ann Prizzi or Ed Myers
Drums: Jack Loercher or R. Scott Robinson
Trumpet: Tony Neenan or Frank Gorecki
Trombone: Jay Ellis or Dan Pendley
Woodwinds: Steve Haaser or Charlene McDaniel
Disclaimer: Toby’s Dinner Theatre provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.