Everything’s terrific in
‘Miracle on 34th Street’
By Maggie McLauchlin Bardsley
Special to The Herald
EVERETT – The lobby of the historic Everett Theatre is warm and inviting on a cold winter’s night. It’s decorated with white Christmas trees, tinsel and “snow.” Children’s art is displayed all around. Christmas music is playing and the greeters are singing along to the familiar carols. It’s cozy and exciting, with children dressed up in their Christmas outfits. In all, a delightful holiday scene.
It’s also a perfect prelude to New Everett Theatre’s presentation of “Miracle on 34th Street.”
Most people are familiar with the story of the old gentleman known as Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Claus. Don Speirs is a wonderfully believable Santa Claus. His “ho ho ho” is well blended into an everyday kind of laugh. It is magical. His hair and beard are white and real, and he looks fantastic in his Santa suit.
Dr. Pierce, Kringle’s physician, is a compassionate man. Shobhit Agarwal depicts Pierce well as a good advocate for the kindly, harmless old man.
Kenadi Silcox is so natural and expressive in her portrayal of Susan. It’s sad to see a child who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, but as the play progresses you can see a spring in her step and a twinkle in her eye as she becomes friends with the older man. She relates to him as if he’s her grandfather.
Her mother, Doris, is a single mother and has become disenchanted with the Christmas season. Geri Silcox portrays Doris as a dreamless, practical woman who is jaded and despondent.
Fred is Doris’ neighbor and would-be suitor – a cute, preppy, charismatic young man played by Scot Garrett. (He even sits on Santa’s lap and gets a candy cane!) Fred is obviously sweet on Doris, who doesn’t seem to notice.
Mr. Sawyer, the Macy’s company shrink, is an excellent bad guy. R. Scott Mitchell is very convincing – and is disliked till the end of the play the mark of a plausible actor.
Judge Henry X. Harper presides over the climactic trial of Kris Kringle, for which his children refuse to hug him goodnight. The contrast between the judge’s home life and his superiority in the court is amusing. William H. Bowen is excellent in the role, as is Claudine Burgos as his wife. They play well off one another.
Mr. Mara, played by Asa Sholdez, is another good bad guy. He’s the prosecutor in Kris Kringle’s trial. He’s pretty smug until ultimately foiled by his own son, Tommy (Dakota Smith), who is refreshingly honest.
Macy’s employees Mrs. Shellhammer (Danette Meline) and Miss Adams (Bonnie Ronan) also shine. Ronan’s Adams has a contagious giggle that can be heard throughout the play.
We never see Mr. Macy or Mr. Gimble – but we hear them loud and clear an effective strategy to show their superiority in a “Wizard of Oz” kind of way.
There are many set changes throughout the show, which were well handled the whole stage is used and the use of lights and silhouettes helps us to focus on the main characters. The scene changes are filled by music or voiceovers, which were effective.
The costumes are authentic with the men attired in hats and suits and ladies in period dresses and sensible shoes.
And the children are all amazing. They make the whole play magical.
Director Robert Bogue conveys through the work the message that simply having respect for others and believing in an idea with all your heart can make things come true.
Taking in a performance of “Miracle on 34th Street” is a wonderful way of starting the Christmas season.
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