Garden Theatre Brings Holiday Favorite MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET to the Stage Tonight

The Garden Theatre (160 West Plant Street) is proud to present the beloved play MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, showing tonight, December 4 - 20, 2015. The presenting sponsor of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is Florida Hospital Winter Garden. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is also sponsored by Insight Credit Union, West Orange Times & Observer and Foundation Academy.

The story, written in 1947 by Valentine Davies, was inspired by Davies' own struggle through the Christmas shopping crowds, trying to find a present for his wife. As the behind-the-scenes story goes, the commercialism he saw made him wonder what the real Santa would make of it all. The center of the tale is seven-year-old Susan, who has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle: Santa Claus. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all -- something to believe in. The movie by the same name starred Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, Natalie Wood as Susan Walker, John Payne as Fred Gayley, and Maureen O'Hara as Doris Walker. O'Hara, who initially resisted the role until she read the script, passed away on October 24, 2015 at the age of 95.

This classic play is produced by Garden Theatre and is directed by Tim Williams. While this is his first association with the Garden Theatre, Williams has worked extensively in the Central Florida area as a director for productions at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Valencia College Theater, Theatre Winter Haven and Mad Cow Theatre, among others. Williams is also an improvisational performer with Walt Disney World and an adjunct theater professor at Valencia College.

"MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is a classic holiday film beloved by many people," says Williams. "The play evokes incredible childhood memories for the millions of those who watch the 1947 film every holiday season and it provides a special treat to those unfamiliar with the original film or book. The story's themes of our belief in the power of myth and our faith in the generosity of humanity make it universally loved by people of all ages and religious persuasions."

When asked what message he hopes audiences will take away, Williams responded, "Miracles happen if you believe in their existence. Love and kindness are contagious, and we're taught how to love and how to give by people who have faith in one another, and who desire to dream big, not just for themselves, but for everyone."

The 23-person cast includes: Brian Chambers as Kris Kringle, Karissa Barber as Doris Walker and Michael Marinaccio as Fred Gayley. The role of Susan will be shared by Lexi Huaman and Maddie Belanoff. Other cast members who have previously appeared on the Garden Theatre stage include: David Almeida (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Dennis Marsico (Peter Pan), Stacy Fulford (Boeing Boeing), George Green (The Music Man, Hairspray), Jeff Day (The Sound of Music, The Music Man), Emelia Brzakala (The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan), Parker Sims-Chin (Peter Pan), Ryleigh Lawton (Peter Pan), Carly Skubick (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Peter Pan), Tyler Ilgen (La Cage aux Folles) and Julie Snyder (Biloxi Blues, Alice Lost in Wonderland). New to the Garden Theatre stage are: Joanne Van Zyl, Katie Michaels, Timothy Barr, Carly DaCunha, Marisa Hemphill, Quinn Roberts and Mitchell Marbais.

Tickets are $33 for adults and $29 for seniors and students, with special pricing of $29 for adults and $25 for seniors and students for opening night. Tickets are $15 for ages 12 and under on Saturday matinees. Show times are Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. There will be an Industry Night performance on Monday, December 14 at 8pm with $15 tickets. For tickets, visit gardentheatre.org or contact the Box Office at 407-877-GRDN (4736). Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts of up to 25% by contacting group sales manager Jana Goupil at 407-877-4736 x208.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden on Plant Street, the Garden Theatre is a not-for-profit organization committed to enriching, engaging and entertaining through creative experiences. The 299-seat theatre, which re-opened in 2008, is a historic, atmospheric, professional performing arts venue in a Mediterranean Revival style. The Garden Theatre hosts live plays, concerts, movies and more to the residents of and visitors to the city of Winter Garden.

To post a comment, you must register and login.