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

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.  The production will run from November 19 through January 2, 2011.  The Press Opening is Sunday, November 21 at 2:30 p.m.  Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Associate Christopher Pazdernik will direct.
 
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 includes many members of last year's cast, including Jim Sherman, Christa Buck, Jim Heatherly, Steve Tomlitz, Matthew W. Miles, Kelly Hackett and Michael Pacas.

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, 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 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 previews November 19 and 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 & 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.  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.