Farmington Players Presents MIRACLE ON 34th STREET 11/20-12/13

"Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." It's a timeless message from a classic play, Miracle on 34th Street. The holiday hit that has captivated countless families runs November 20th to December 13th at The Farmington Players Barn Theater in Farmington Hills. Tickets are available at farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office, (248) 553-2955.

The show is based on the novel by Valentine Davies that inspired one of Hollywood's most beloved Christmas films. Tony Semanik of West Bloomfield plays Kris Kringle, the real Santa Claus, who is hired to pose as himself at Macy's. The magical man soon taps into his joyous spirit to inspire everyone, including a cynical young girl Susan Walker (Nina White of Grosse Pointe Park) and her mother Doris (Sue Rogers of West Bloomfield). However, when Kringle insists he is the "real deal," critics question his sanity, and eventually drag him into court, for a battle that tests everyone's faith.

Miracle On 12 Mile Road

This is first show to use the newly installed rigging system at the Barn, and audiences will be stunned by the technology and creativity involved. Phil Hadley of West Bloomfield and a dedicated crew spent countless hours installing the equipment. Professional mural artist Pam Shapiro of Farmington Hills created custom backdrops so vivid that crowds will feel the chill of winter outside Macy's, and experience the thrill of the toy department inside. The courtroom drop seems like it was built rather than painted. And the landscape of Santa's final gift to Susan Walker serves as a breathtaking spectacle on The Farmington Players stage.

Barn members saved and planned for several years, to obtain the technology that now fills the vast fly space above the stage. With a little faith and a lot of work, they made their own little "Miracle" come true on 12 mile road. The show's Director, Amy Lauter of Farmington Hills says, "Many of our season ticket holders that have been supporting The Farmington Players for years are going to be amazed when they walk in and see how differently this show is staged from any previous play we have done. "

Children On The Stage

Lauter cast the production with 19 adults, 10 children (ages 7-11) and 6 teens. "This is a record-sized cast for The Farmington Players," says Lauter. "I'm proud to have had the opportunity to step up to the challenge." Lauter says she feels proud to watch the children grow on the stage. "I think it's exciting that the barn has opened up some opportunities for our youth. I hope to show that it can be an asset to our community and to the group to build upon this success."

Original Score

Their performances will be enhanced by an original music score written and performed by Lauter's husband John, a task not often accomplished in community theaters. His music will cover black-outs and scene changes and will sound like a radio show from the 40s or a TV program from the 50s through the 70s.

Opening Night

The Barn will kick off Opening Night November 20th, by treating patrons to Holiday music, spiced cider and home baked goods. It's the perfect way to begin the season and get everyone into the holiday spirit!

Meeting Santa

Additionally, all children who attend the show Sunday November 29th will get the chance to have their picture taken with Santa, after the performance.

Special Giveaway

Also, each night of the show, the Barn will raffle a gift certificate that can be used to purchase a turkey or other Thanksgiving fixings from Heartland market at 12 Mile and Farmington in Farmington Hills.

Tickets On Sale Now

Tickets are available today at farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office (248) 553-2955.

Adults: $15, Senior discount: $2 Off on Sunday, November 22 Only

Group Discounts: $2 Off any performance: Must Have 10 or more people.

Show Dates and Times

November

Fri, Sat., Sun: 20, 21, 22 (2pm),

Fri., Sat, Sun: 27, 28, 29 (2 pm)

December

Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sun: 3, 4, 5, 6 (2 pm),

Fri., Sat., Sun: 11, 12, 13 (2pm)

Note: All Thursday-Friday-Saturday shows at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

About The Barn

The Farmington Players began as an off-shoot of the American Association of University Women. Their first production, The Torchbearers, was performed at a local church. Later in the 1950s, after performing in various city and educational locations, The Farmington Players moved into an old dairy barn located on the site of their present facility on West Twelve Mile Road.

Initially, productions were staged downstairs on a dirt floor. Over the years, improvements to the original Barn transformed it into a more finished space, with the theater itself eventually moving upstairs into a traditional and finished setting.

Since 1953, The Farmington Players have staged more than 180 different musicals, dramas, mysteries and comedies, all as a community theater with 100% volunteer membership.

Residents of Farmington, Farmington Hills and beyond have come to recognize the group as a true community resource. Since the completion of its all-new, state of the art facility in 2003, The Farmington Players Barn Theater has expanded its mission, serving as the site for city-sponsored events such as youth theater camps in the summer, concerts with groups as varied as Blackthorn and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and as a meeting place for various groups.

Location

The Farmington Players Barn is located at: 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills.
(North side of 12 Mile Road Halfway between Orchard Lake and Farmington).