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Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre

By: Nov. 23, 2010
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Porchlight Music Theatre will present the exhilarating live stage production of Miracle on 34th Street, based on the holiday film classic at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, through January 2, 2011. The Press Opening is Sunday, November 21 at 2:30 p.m. Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Associate Christopher Pazdernik is the director.

Porchlight Music Theatre's annual holiday production, first presented in 2009, has already become a holiday tradition. Al Bresloff of Aroundthetownchicago.com raved that Miracle on 34th Street is "...a warm and loving tale that brings cheer to those who see it and something that can be enjoyed by the entire family" and Colin Douglas of Centerstagechicago.com said that "Porchlight has energized the Chicago holiday stage scene with a new dramatic adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street." Families are encouraged to bring their children for their first theatrical experience. Following each performance, the audience is invited to visit with Santa Claus, take photos, and share a Christmas wish.

Porchlight Music Theatre's version of Miracle on 34th Street combines the classic story from the film with traditional holiday music. When a white bearded gentleman claims to be the real Santa Claus, he brings about a genuine "Miracle on 34th Street," spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter, and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth. The 1947 film version of Miracle on 34th Street is a perennial holiday favorite. Starring Natalie Wood and Maureen O'Hara, the film won three Academy Awards in 1948.

This theatrical version of Miracle on 34th Street is based on the novel by Valentine Davies. The production was adapted by Patricia Di Benedetto Snyder, Will Severin and John Vreeke. The Porchlight Music Theatre production will add traditional holiday music arranged by Chicago composer Jon Steinhagen. He was the writer, composer, and lyricist for Porchlight's acclaimed The Teapot Scandals and recently received first prize in the Julie Harris Playwriting Award competition, presented by the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, for his play The Analytical Engine.

The Miracle on 34th Street cast stars Christa Buck as Doris Walker, Katherine Cikanek as Maryke's Mother/Mrs. Mara, Kelly Hackett as Dr. Pierce/ Sally's Mother, Jim Heatherly as Judge Harper, David Heimann as Fred Gailey, Nicole Karkazis as Susan, Chase McCurdy as Alfred, Matthew W. Miles as Mr. Shellhammer, Michael Pacas as Mr. Sawyer, Lindsey Pearlman as Sally, Alex Radtke as Jake/Thomas Mara Jr., Jim Sherman as Kris Kringle/Santa Claus, Steve Tomlitz as Thomas Mara, Mick Weber as Mr. Macy and Hannah Whitlock as Maryke.

The artistic team is a mix of old and new faces from last year's production. Christopher Pazdernik is the Director. Musical Direction is by Eugene Dizon, Costume Design is by Jana Anderson, Choreography is by James Beaudry, Projection Design is by Liviu Pasare, Lighting Design by Mac Vaughey and Scenic Design is by Ian Zywica.

The 2010-2011 season will continue with the Midwest premiere of Meet John Doe (from March 4 to April 17, 2011), a musical based on the iconic film by Frank Capra, and the Tony Award-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I (from April 22 to June 5, 2011.)

About Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre is Chicago's music theatre leader; producing award-winning interpretations of classic musicals and cutting-edge new works on intimate stages. The company is recognized for providing nurture and challenge for stars-in-the-making as well as veteran performers. The company has staged 37 shows including four world premieres, among them, The Teapot Scandals, its first work developed through Off the Porch, Porchlight's new works program, as well as seven Chicago premieres. An Equity theater since 2004, the company has already received a total of 33 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 11 Jeff Awards.

Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from the A.R.T League, the Arts Work Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, a City Arts Program 2 Grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the National Association of Realtors, Peoples Energy and The Saints.

Ticket Information
Miracle on 34th Street runs through January 2, 2011. The Press Opening is Sunday, November 21 at 2:30 p.m. The performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. There are additional performances December 19th - 30th, all show-times can be found at stage773.com or porchlighttheatre.com. Single tickets are $38.00 during the month of November, $40 during the month of December, and discounts for seniors, students and groups are available. Tickets may be purchased through the Stage 773 box office at 773.327.5252 or at www.stage773.com. Group Sales Discounts are available through www.GroupTheaterTix.com or at 866.809.3075.

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image
Jim Sherman

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image
Matthew Miles and Michael Pacas

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image
Jim Sherman

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image
David Heimann and Nicole Karkazis

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image
Christa Buck and Nicole Karkazis

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image
MIRACLE Cast

Photo Flash: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET At Porchlight Music Theatre  Image



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