Review: Finding the True Meaning of Christmas with MIRACLE ON 34th STREET at Garden Theatre

I am a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas time. I'm that person who hasn't seen any holiday classic movies. I decorate enough to blend into society and usually only listen to Christmas music on rotation at your favorite theme park. So it takes a lot to warm the coldness of my heart and while Garden Theatre's MIRACLE ON 34th STREET did not turn me into a nostalgic mess, it did allow me to appreciate the meaning of the holidays.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET reminds us all that it's not about giving and receiving gifts, nor is it about Santa Claus. The holidays are here to remind us all to be happy and to enjoy life through whatever we may believe as true. Miracle on 34th Street was originally a movie from 1947, hence becoming a Christmas classic, starring Maureen O'Hara as Doris. It was later remade in 1994 with Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle. The Garden Theatre play is an update to the 1994 movie, which was adapted from the novel by Valentine Davies.

Taking place in New York City, we meet a kindly old man claiming to be none other than Kris Kringle (Brian Chambers). Being New Yorkers, many people think he's just a old man with a mental disorder. It is easy to see how an old man with a white beard and jolly laugh can mistake himself for Mr. Claus. We also meet Doris Walker (Karissa Barber) and her daughter Susan (Maddie Belanoff at this performance). Post Doris's divorce, she has raised Susan to be a very practical child. Doris works at Macy's and seems will do anything to maintain her professionalism at her job including hiring Mr. Kringle to play Santa Claus.

A twist of holiday fate and you've got Kringle sending Macy's customers the Bloomingdales and Mr. Macy's reaping the benefits of this feel good marketing. I read up on the plot on Wikipedia and it seems that the play follows the movie. The whole plot hinges on some very loose logic, but it's the holidays so we let it go.

Brian Chambers may very well be the real Santa Claus. I would suspect that he is in high demand as an actor this time of year. It is very easy to believe that Mr. Chambers is Santa Claus. Everything about him from his accent to his facial hair is the essence of the character.

As Doris Walker, Karissa Barber is a character that I most relate to. She's busy and ain't got time for nonsense. Barber's character lead the Macy's team well, but her relationship with Foley was less believable and awkward to watch. I found myself wishing that Doris would just lighten up a little bit. Doris's daughter, Susan is adorable. Maddie Belanoff is young promising talent. Whenever Susan keeps it real, it pulls at the heartstrings because no child should be that cynical so soon. It is great to watch Belanoff take her character from that serious kid to the actual light hearted kid she's supposed to be.

Orlando Fringe legend Michael Marinaccio takes the stage as the neighbor and Doris's love interest Fred Gayley. This was the first time I've seen Michael on stage not introducing a Fringe show and my initial thought was "Hey, Michael can act too!" I would say that Michael's character was just as an easy reach to him as Chambers was to Santa. Marinaccio's acting was natural and he seemed to be a good fit working with young talent like Maddie.

Growing up in New York, I did not get the New York City vibe from the sets, but the costumes definitely helped set the scene. With long winter jackets, scarves, and hats it was almost enough to suspect belief that it was not 80-degrees outside.

While it is a straight play, there are some acapella singing elves that sing Christmas carols during the scene transitions. They are a nice addition to lighten the mood. Young audience members may find themselves lost in the plot or bored, so I recommend ages 10 and older or young fans who have seen the movie.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET runs at the Garden Theatre now until December 20th. Tickets are selling out fast, so hurry. While you're there, be sure to check out the downtown Winter Garden area. It's adorably decorated for the holiday season. For tickets and more information visit http://www.gardentheatre.org/.

Photo Credit: Garden Theatre

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