Barter Theatre Presents MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

"Miracles can happen if you truly believe" is the theme of the heartwarming Christmas classic at Barter Theatre this holiday season. "Miracle on 34th Street" will take the stage beginning November 20.

Kris Kringle is on trial struggling to prove Santa Claus really does exist. After a mishap at the Macy's on 34th Street, people are questioning Santa's sanity. Will he be released in time for Christmas?

"Being such an iconic figure, everyone has his or her own idea of who Santa Claus is," said Rick McVey, Barter Resident who will appear as Kris Kringle, "The challenge for an actor playing Kris Kringle is finding the right balance and connecting with the audience for a character who is bigger than life. It is exciting for me to give him a humanistic personality that we can all relate to, care about and love."

With more than a dozen songs, "Miracle on 34th Street" is filled with holiday cheer. "This musical is uplifting, fun and inspirational during the holidays, for the entire family, which is why it has become a favorite of Barter audiences as a holiday classic," said Producing Artistic Director and show Director Richard Rose, "Barter's 'Miracle on 34th Street,' which we premiered in 2002, is a fantastic version of Valentine Davies' original story from which the movie was made."

The cast of "Miracle on 34th Street" will include most of Barter Theatre's Resident Acting Company as well as eight youth actors chosen from the community.

This show is being directed by Producing Artistic Director Richard Rose.

"Miracle on 34th Street" is made possible by corporate sponsors Meade Tractor and Eastman Credit Union. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.