Review: A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Classic Radiocast Twinkles with Christmas Spirit in Round Rock, TX

A MIRACLE ON 34th STREET is presented as a classic radiocast that reignites our love for Santa Claus and examines the commercialized spirit in the heart of New York City during the busiest shopping crowds of the year - Christmas. Beginning with a drunken Santa too intoxicated to perform in the historic Macy's holiday parade, Kris Kringle (played by Robert L. Berry) steps up to the float to wave at children and fill this required role for any festive affair. When the parade ends, our story's newly-appointed Santa,

Kris Kringle, keeps the magic going by serving as Macy's full-time Santa Claus - announcing to all those around, that he is the real deal. Doris Walker (played by Sarah Marie Curry), the skeptic and realistic retail operations manager, reluctantly allows Kringle to infiltrate not only the parade but Macy's itself., Children and parents everywhere come into Macy's requesting the perfect present... except with the new Kris Kringle, if Macy's did not have the new toy, Kringle would send the family (and their money) to the competitor, Gimballs!

Initially outraged by this unspeakable action, Gimball's eventually follows suit, creating some forced harmony between all THREE toy giants, Macy's, Gimballs and Santa himself. All seems harmonious and grand until Kris Kringle pronounces himself the real Santa Claus, much to the embarrassment of his bosses and new- found friends. With the trial of the century scheduled to determine Kris Kringle's sanity and the fate of one little girl's Christmas, Penfold Theatre Companies presentation of A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is a Christmas classic all ages can enjoy.

In this production of A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, the ensemble cast works together to bring this classic radio show to life. With actors playing more than one character, differentiating from each utilizing vocal technique, mannerisms, and small prop indicators the actors set an imaginary scene within a radio sound room. With sound effects lending themselves as additional ensemble members, doors slamming, shoes click-clacking and chimes sounding, the elements work together to transcend the audience to a mid-century American living room on Christmas Eve. When the sound effects were utilized they were wonderful, however the sound support could have gone much further and been utilized more often.

It's no wonder this story hits home with such a charming Kris Kringle played by Robert L. Berry. His delightful interpretation of Kris Kringle leaves the audience guessing whether or not he indeed fills the boots of the big man, or is simply a kind older gentleman with a peculiar case of dementia. Berry's range within the performance was sweet and served well to portray the magic of Santa Claus and the action that fellow ensemble members were building. Listed as the announcer for this program, Isto Barton was delightful as he hopped from character to character throughout the show. The vocal work within a radiocast is vital to create the world through the imagination of the audience, and Barton's vocal talent supported the sweet Christmas message being presented with spots of humor and heartache.

Many children can recite Christmas carols, and tell the stories of Rudolph and the North Pole. These stories are sweet, and have a very special place in our hearts during the holiday season. However, A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is such an original story and most-likely one the audience cannot recite word-for-word. For families looking for some originality this holiday season in their entertainment, head over to Old Settlers Hall for Penfold Theatre Companies Radiocast of A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. This old-time classic will surely please the whole family.

For more information regarding this production, please select the link listed below:

http://www.penfoldtheatre.org/event/22e0e31eb54f8a6ae53b9da4bc0a758e/A-Miracle-on-34th-Street-Classic-Radiocast

Photo Credit: Kimberley Mead

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