Thingamajig Theatre Company’s holiday production of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play” opened last night, December 15, and runs every day through December 23 at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts.
“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play,” an uplifting family-friendly show, will be Thingamajig Theatre Company’s Christmas production this year. The familiar holiday classic is the story of a young girl’s powerful belief in Santa and all the values he stands for. The production features original songs as well as favorite Christmas carols and is performed in the style of a live 1940s-era radio broadcast.
The play, set in a radio studio, portrays the iconic Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street in New York City – plus a scene in a courtroom with a judge ruling over an argument about Santa’s identification.
“Coming out of the long COVID closures, it’s a special treat for us to present such a heartwarming show for the Christmas season at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts,” Moore said.
The production will be directed and choreographed by Andrew Barrett Lewis, whose most recent Pagosa show was “A Grand Night for Singing” during Christmas 2019.
Actor favorites return
This production features seven actors, most of whom play multiple parts in the show. Several are favorites with local and out-of-town audiences from previous performances at Thingamajig, including Trevor Brown, Aaron Catano-Saez, and Halley Daigle-Saez. Others will be talented new faces, including Kristi Contreary, Simone Haas, Dylan Fuselier and Herb Grover. Costume design is by Adrienne Young; Hunter Swinehart is stage manager; Mackenzie Lowe did the lighting design; sound design is by Tim Moore; Laura Moore designed the sets.
Multiple positive reviews
This version of the Christmas “Miracle” story was first produced in San Diego to rave reviews. One observer said the show “lights up the holidays” while another said it “comes gift-wrapped with a fetching musical score.” A separate reviewer opined, “You will want to bring the entire family” while another called it a “beloved musical that will melt even the most cynical of hearts.”
Writing in the San Diego Union Tribune, longtime theatre critic James Hebert said, “Just when you think there is nothing new under the sun (or inside the snow globe), along comes a Christmas show that reminds even the Scrooge-iest soul how rewarding holiday theater can be.”
Tickets and COVID protocols
“Miracle” opens on Wednesday, December 15 and will be performed every day through Thursday, December 23. Evening performances are at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm. on December 19. Moore chose to end the show’s run just before Christmas so that the actors could return home to their families for their holiday celebrations.
Proof of vaccinations — or proof of a negative COVID test — and masks, will be required for the audience, following Broadway’s COVID protocols.
View calendar and purchase tickets here or by phoning 970-731-SHOW (7469). Tickets are $35.
NOTE: Due to an eternal staffing shortage at Thingamajig, it is ALWAYS more efficient to get your tickets online rather than calling the Box Office.