With a cast of over 30, Denton, Joanna and Blake Wood have committed to the Red Carpet Community Theatre’s production of “Miracle on 34th Street.” The show is being directed by Clinton’s Jim Hull. This production will open on November 10, and run November 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 2023. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Wood’s first heard about the production and Blake felt like he wanted to audition because of his experience with the Elk City Art Council’s summer arts program. He participated in the theatre classes and got the bug to be in more. Another reason was that Joanna also wanted to be part of the show. Then, Denton joined the two on stage.
Blake plays Johnny who wants a firetruck for Christmas, and he is in a couple of scenes. Denton plays Mr. Macy in the production, while Joanna is Mrs. Shellhamer who works for Macy’s.
According to Denton, no one in the family has been on stage prior to this production. He said that Joanna sings and has been in choir but never straight acting.
“it’s been fun because we learned it together. It’s been fun to run the lines together because you do something different than what you’re used to doing. Plus, you have to play a different role than playing as your spouse,” Wood explained.
Although Joanna carries more lines than Denton or Blake, the three seem to be a great team. They all agreed that it has been a good experience, and they hope to do more in the future. Their performances are stellar and professional. One could never tell it was their first time on stage.
Denton has been very pleased at the way the cast has accepted him throughout the production. He is in a wheelchair from an accident, but he said that everyone has been accommodating and helpful. Although the theatre is older and not originally handicapped accessible, he is able to access the stage through a side door.
“Everyone has been patient with us, and it’s been fun to be around the theatre,” Denton concluded.
Tickets are available now at www.rcct.org. This show should be a sellout, therefore, get reservations early. It is the last production of the 2023 season.
