Miracle on 34th Street at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

Get ready for a magical holiday extravaganza as Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Miracle on 34th Street. This show is running from Wednesday, November 22nd - Sunday, December 31, 2023. Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture, and the book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, this holiday classic follows Kris Kringle as he takes on the cynics in New York City. Single mother Doris Walker doesn’t want her six-year-old Susan’s head filled with romantic notions, but when their neighbor, Fred Gaily, tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy’s, where Doris works, Doris is not impressed. When it turns out that the Macy’s Santa may, in fact, be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. Filled with humor, and beloved songs as “Pinecones and Hollyberries,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and “My State, My Kansas,” this joyous heartwarming musical is pure family entertainment.

This festive cast stars Jim Lawson as Kris Kringle, Elizabeth Butler as Doris Walker, Catherine Mayers as Susan Walker, and Kevin Cleary as Fred Gaily.  The cast features Chris Zavadowski as Marvin Shellhammer, Ian Lane as R.H. Macy, Kathy Halenda as Miss Sawyer/Judge Group, Andrea Kahane as Miss Crookshank/Tammany O’Halloran, and Alan Hoffman as Thomas O’Mara, Sr. Starring as the Jingle Belles are Sheri Hayden, Barbara Breen, and Hazel Bennett. The ensemble includes Jarrett Bloom, Barbara Breen, Leighton Carter, Kathy Halenda, Sheri Hayden, Alan Hoffman, Silas Iem, Andrea Kahane, Colleen Kleveno, Ian Lane, Colby LeRoy, Sally Roehl, Stephanie Wood, and Chris Zavadowski. The youth ensemble includes Bella Browning (Susan Walker u/s), Brody Lane, and Joey Vogel.

The Miracle on 34th Street creative team is led by Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Producing Artistic Director Patrick A’Hearn, along with Associate Producing Artistic Director/Music Supervisor Carson Eubank, and Choreographer Stephanie Wood. Music Direction by David Landrum, scenic design by Christian Fleming, and lighting design/production electrician by Weston Corey. Costume designer/wardrobe supervisor is Erin Welsh, sound engineer/sound designer is Cheyenne Tenda, and scenic charge artist is Maria Laird. Properties master and set dresser is Claire Flores, and the production stage manager is Cody Medley.

The creative team is rounded out with technical director Nathan Dunn, production manager Kyna Chilcot, and company manager Holly Mayers.

Tickets for this heartwarming tale of belief, joy and the true spirit of Christmas can be purchased through the Box Office at (540) 370-4300 or online at riversidedt.com. Regular price tickets: $60-$75. Discounted senior & group rates are available, as well as same day RUSH tickets. Evening performances start at 7:30pm with dinner service beginning at 5:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Matinee performances start at 1:30pm with dinner service beginning at 11:30am on Wednesday and 3:00pm on Sunday with dinner service beginning at 1:00pm.