Photo Flash: Provision Theater Opens THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY Tonight

When a broken hearted boy loses the treasured wooden nativity set that links him to his dead father, his worried mother persuades a lonely, ill-tempered woodcarver to create a replacement and to allow her son to watch him work on the new piece. The commission takes their relationship to unexpected places as the young client makes greater and more difficult demands of the woodcarver's ability. As Christmas approaches, the three struggle to come to terms with each other, their painful memories, and the process of putting their unhappiness behind them.

THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY is directed by Provision Theater's Artistic Director, Timothy Gregory. The script, written by Timothy Gregory and music by Michael Mahler, is based on the award-winning book by Susan Wojciechowski. This children's book garnered several awards including the Christopher Medal for Excellence in Children's Books, The New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice, The American Bookseller's Pick of The Lists, and a Grammy Nomination for Best Audio Book.

The play stars James Rank as Jonathan Toomey and Susan Moniz as Sarah McDowell, with Mary Redmoon, Kevin O'Brien, Steven Lyons, Angela Alise Johnson, Jessica Thigpen, Bill Chamberlain, and June Miller. Children's Ensemble includes Nate Becker, Michael Jostes, JaCK Edwards and Eden Elyse Strong.

The show will feature Scenic Design by Inseung Park, Lighting Design by Mike Stanfill, and Costume Design by Rossella Nitti. Technical Director is John Gedeon, Stage Manager is Kari Warning and Production Manager is Alfredo Aguilar.

Provision Theater Company is devoted to producing works of hope, reconciliation and redemption; works that challenge us to explore a life of meaning and purpose. Provision Theater Company has celebrated numerous Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for their critically-acclaimed productions of Shadowlands, The Hiding Place, Cotton Patch Gospel, A Christmas Carol, C.S. Lewis On Stage, A Christmas Memory & The Thanksgiving Visitor, The Spitfire Grill and Beast On The Moon. Other highly praised productions include: The Time Of Your Life, Sanders Family Christmas, Godspell, Smoke on the Mountain, The Boys Next Door and The Gospel of John.

THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY begins previews at Provision Theater November 21 at 7:30 p.m. with opening performances on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. The show will run every Wednesday at 10 a.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. through December 23. Ticket prices include free parking and range from $10 to $32. Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off. For reservations, call 312-455-0066 or visit www.provisiontheater.org. 

Photo Credit: John Hockberger

Michael Saguto as Thomas McDowell and James Rank as Jonathan Toomey (from the 2011 Production)

The cast of The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (from the 2011 Production)

Michael Saguto as Thomas McDowell and Susan Moniz as Sarah McDowell (from the 2011 Production)