Avon Players will make you believe with ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

When you’re putting on a production centered on believing, it’s important that belief translates to every facet of the story; and believability is exactly what the cast of Avon Player’s Miracle on 34th Street delivers.

Fans of the movie will not be disappointed – especially with Mike Olsem’s turn as Kris Kringle. From the moment Mike appears onstage there’s no doubt he’s the right man to fill the Santa suit.

Grace Seyferth as "Susan" and Mike Olsem as "Kris Kringle." Photo credit: Mark Palmer/Bryan Clifford

Grace Seyferth as “Susan” and Mike Olsem as “Kris Kringle”
Photo credit: Mark Palmer/Bryan Clifford

From there the rest of the actors effortlessly fill their roles; and kudos to the production team is also well deserved. The setting is 1947 New York City (the same year Avon Players began) and it is clear great attention to detail was paid to get the period look right. So much so that I even overheard audience members during intermission singing the praises of the authenticity of the costumes.

Since the movie is so widely known and loved, there are certain elements you expect to see and the scene at Santa’s Dais where Kris speaks to one little girl in Dutch and another in American Sign Language are as poignant as you remember and will melt your heart. At first I was a little disappointed that the impressionable young Santa protégé ‘Alfred’ wasn’t included in the production, but the plucky elf ensemble that presumably takes his place, left me laughing (and quickly forgetting about Alfred). How the final courtroom scene plays out may surprise you, but the outcome remains the same: Faith is believing, even when common sense tells you not to.

We live in a world that often feels like it has lost its way. For a couple of hours, Miracle on 34th Street helps us find our way back by reminding us to look for the good in everyone and that every person deserves the chance to be believed in.

You can catch the remaining Miracle of 34th Street performances at Avon Players located at 1185 Washington in Rochester on the following dates and times:

Friday, December 5                        8 p.m.

Saturday, December 6                   8 p.m.

Sunday, December 7                      2 p.m.

Friday, December 12                      8 p.m.

Saturday, December 13                 8 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at AvonPlayers.com.

About Sarah Hovis

Freelance wordsmith, arts appreciator, grammar geek, sports spectator, stationery snob, and world traveler, Sarah charts her own course as the owner of saliho creative. She uses her creative mind and engaging dialogue to fearlessly bring the written word to life in print and online… all while keeping a watchful eye out for the next literary adventure. You can reach her at sarah@rochestermedia.com.

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