“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Show” – The Phoenix Theatre Company
Theater Review – November 23, 2024
DELIGHTFUL HOLIDAY TALE BROUGHT TO VIBRANT LIFE IN TPTC’S FESTIVE STAGING
“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A LIVE MUSICAL RADIO SHOW”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hardes Theatre
Phoenix AZ
By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic
Everyone remembers “Miracle on 34th Street,” its winning belief in Santa Claus, the hot rivalry between Macy’s and Gimbels department stores, and the warm cherishing of Christmas traditions. In an interesting twist, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s (TPTC) production takes us back to a 1947 radio presentation of the popular holiday story. An eight-member cast plays the various roles in a charming production that places the audience as observers of the radio’s performance.
The talented ensemble creates viable and believable characters with nice personality variations as they jump back and forth between the various personalities. The ensemble sings and dances with outstanding harmonies, simple but effective dance routines, and without character costumes, they easily convince the audience that they are the diverse people involved in the well-known plot.
Playwright Lance Arthur Smith’s clever adaptation of the Lux Radio broadcast complete with product advertisements is a breezy, light-weight but holiday pleasant journey through Kristofer van Lisberg’s character who eventually convinces everyone he is Kris Kringle. Director Chelsea Anderson’s production glides along with swift dispatch.
Scott Davidson plays van Lisberg with simple and beguiling charm so everyone easily recognizes him as Santa Claus. Mother and daughter DeMarco are warmly played by London Cairney and Parker Pitt with affectionate and outgoing exuberance. The rest of the ensemble – Matravius Avent, Amy Jo Halliday, Michael Kary, and Krista Monaghan – are all spot-on, always poised, and perform with professional aplomb throughout the two-hour production.
Douglas Clarke’s modest set transforms audiences to the ‘40s-era radio station studio. Steve Hilderbrand serves as an enthusiastic announcer, superb piano player, and able sound effects person for the performers. The music combines show specific tunes with conventional carols for pleasing and traditional musical emphasis.
“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Show” is the perfect entertainment to put you in a festive holiday mood. It continues through December 28. To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.
Grade: A
