REVIEW: Farmington Players Charm with Miracle on 34th Street at the Barn

"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 from November 20th to December 13th at The Farmington Players Barn Theater in Farmington Hills. 

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 named 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.

Given my love of the movie, and never having seen a show at the Barn, I wasn't sure what to expect from the production. I knew that the newly renovated building "looked" like a barn but somehow was the home to numerous theatrical productions since 2003. The theatre itself was impressive, complete with decorations and carolers for the season. Once we were seated the President of The Farmington Players, Cynthia Tupper, announced that this was a "milestone" event since this was the first show they would get to use the newly installed rigging system, an updated sound system, custom backdrops, and an original score. Needless to say I was impressed before the lights even went down.

Once the opening scene started, however, I was struck with disappointment. The play begins at the the Maplewood Home for the Aged where Kris Kringle (played by Tony Semanik) is currently residing. Both Semanik and Trish Tyran, who opens the show as Dr. Pierce with Semanik failed to capture my attention since there wasn't much projection of the their voices and the first scene was done in front of the main curtain. Fortunately, once that curtain raised and the beautiful hand painted canvas that appeared to be the Macy's storefront was displayed I was immersed in that wonderful story that I have always loved.

Susan Walker, played by Nina White was perfect for the role and stole the show. Nina played Susan perfect as a skeptical little girl wise for her age learning through the play that things don't always have to make sense to be true. Other standouts include SuzAnne Rogers as Doris Walker and Gary Weinstein as Mr. Sawyer. Gary's performance was truly engaging as Mr. Sawyer, he really creates a funny side for this normally detested character.

The backdrops, created by professional mural artist Pam Shapiro of Farmington Hills, were simply breathtaking. From the opening scene, outside of Macy's where you really felt the chill of winter waiting for the parade to start to the very end where Santa's final gift to Susan appears the backdrops transform the scenes into realistic masterpieces.

The original score, created by John Lauter, was an impressive overlay for the transitions between scenes however some of the transitions did seem to be longer than necessary. Despite some of the flaws of the show, I still got chills as Fred Gailey, played by Rick Mickley, proves to the court and the rest of the world by ushering in thousands of letters that Kris Kringle really is Santa Claus. Another particularly charming moment was manifest right before the final gift from Santa to Susan is revealed. Rachel Manna who played Miss Adams, along with three other cast members, sang part of Believe by Josh Groban acapella as they walked across the stage reminding us all to "just believe." Finally, when curtain is raised and Susan receives her gift you can't help but smile and remember the true spirit of Christmas.

If you have a chance I would recommend a visit to Miracle on 34th Street at the Barn. It really got me into the Christmas spirit and overall it was an enjoyable way to spend a Friday night.

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

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 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 (2pm); December: Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sun: 3, 4, 5, 6 (2 pm), Fri., Sat., Sun: 11, 12, 13 (2pm)

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