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

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.