Rehearsals are underway for Red Carpet Community Theatre’s holiday production of the classic stage play of “Miracle on 34th Street.” The show will open Nov. 10, run through the weekend, and then the following weekend of the 17th, 18th, and close on the 19th. Evening shows will start at 7:30 p.m. while the matinee will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Nov. 7th to the general public, and the season ticket holders can reserve their seats on Nov. 6th.
The director for this production is Jim Hull, Clinton. He is no stranger to the RCCT stage and directing. He recently announced the cast to the show that has brought a sentimental holiday spirit to audiences everywhere.
The play is based on the 1947 film that has become a Christmas classic. It is a comedy/drama about an old man in a retirement home, Kris Kringle, who gets a job working as Santa Claus in Macy’s Department Store. His generosity and good-will with their customers and the commercial world of the store, brought him to a competency hearing in court. One little girl’s belief in Santa Claus is at stake. The courts uphold Kris as Santa, which revives the children’s joy of the season and the belief in the Christmas fantasy.
The original cast included Maureen O’Hara as Doris Walker, Natalie Wood played Susan Walker, John Payne portrayed Fred Gailey, Edmund Gwenn was Kris Kringle, and Gene Lockhart was Judge Henry X. Harper. George Seaton was the American screenwriter and director of the original movie. In 1994 Les Mayfield directed a new production of the film with Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, and Dylan McDermott in the lead roles.
The RCCT cast includes Jim Brown as Kris Kringle, Julie Carter is Doris Walker, Rose Carter is Susan Walker, Gantt Carter is Fred Gailey, Landon Holcomb plays Doctor Pierce, Sheila Altland is Alice Sawyer, Joanna Wood plays Shelhamer, Basil Weatherly is Judge Harper, Denton Wood is Macy, Cici Gensman plays Bloomingdale/Bag Lady, Sharon’s Mom/Duncan, Gini Smith is Mara/Rich Person/Foster Mom, Kelsey Wynn is Halloran, Donna Perry is Bailey/Mom in line, Sara Wynn is Mara JR, Samuel Holcomb plays Head Elf, Jedediah Carter, Nash Hill, Channing Hill, and Annilee Lambright play Elves, Holly Anderson is Sharon/Child #2/Elf, Blake Wood is Johnny( Weekend 1)/Elf, Case Ray Nailey is Johnny (Weekend 2)/ Elf, Kaydean Nailey is Dutch Girl, Ashley Underwood is Al, and Jim Hull is Lou.
This holiday production should be marked on everyone’s calendar to begin the Christmas season with RCCT. For reservations go to www.rcct.org.
