There’s nothing to get you into the Christmas spirit more than watching a child’s wish come true. Based on the Lux Radio Theatre version of the original 1947 film and the book by Valentine Davies, Twelfth Night Productions brings the classic Christmas story Miracle on 34th Street to Kenyon Hall in West Seattle.
Performed in the radio style, with applause cards and radio commercials for cereal and ways to decorate your Christmas tree to boot, the vast voice cast gives life to the classic Christmas tale of Kris Kringle claiming to be the real Saint Nicholas and an eight year old Susan Walker trying to find the faith to believe in him, with each of the actors and actresses giving distinct voices to their respective characters. The set build by Rick Springer, Michael Ingersol, and Bill Ayer was incredibly immersive for the radio play, with old timey microphones and the bright red ‘On the Air’ light that really adds to the late 1940s aesthetic.
The radio style really helped the comedy and provided nice pauses without pulling the audience out of the story. The sound design by Rick Springer and Bill Ayer is top notch as well. The sounds are so good that I actually believed someone had opened and closed a door, despite the fact that two very capable foleys, Josh Valdez and Rex Walker, were visibly placed behind the cast. Many of the choices made by director Mary Springer, who also served as the artistic director, added to the setting and ambience of the radio play and the addition of a mighty Wurlitzer organ, played by Lou Magor, also helped add to the aesthetic of the radio play, but at times was a slight hindrance as it would occasionally drown out the last words of the actors as they left the microphone.
Miracle on 34th Street is a well-worn and famous story, synonymously tied to the spirit of Christmas. This Twelfth Night Production cleverly uses the radio play setting to transport the audience into a different time and place, using sound superbly throughout the show. Bolstered by a voice cast that gives the characters distinct flavors, the Christmas tale is worth the trip out to West Seattle and definitely will get you in the holiday spirit.
Miracle on 34th Street
This live radio show
Kenyon Hall,
West Seattle
7904 35th Ave. SW, Seattle WA,
December 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30pm and December 8 and 15 at 3:00pm. Prices are $20 for adults and $18 for students & seniors. http://www.twelfthnightproductions.org/