It’s a shame that this is Twelfth Night Productions’ last production because it was a true joy to experience. Dynamic, alive, and emotionally meaningful, TNP takes a classic Christmas tale and revives it as a live radio broadcast of the 1940s, with opening skits, live music, and uncomfortably funny lingerie ads. One of the things that makes this production such a pleasure – other than the seamless transition from a film script to a radio one – is how much the cast and crew love their show. You can tell how much every single one of them wants to be there, and it shows in their commitment to their characters, their liveliness, and their outstanding delivery. It truly feels like an artistic community coming together to share their love for the craft of theatre.
The show is a rendition of the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street. It revolves around Kris Kringle, Macy’s store Santa Claus, who believes he’s the real Santa. Although his kindness and understanding earn him the love and respect of his community, some people question his sanity and want him committed to a psychiatric hospital. His lawyer, Mr. Galey, must then prove to the court that the old man is indeed Santa Claus. Yet, as Mr. Galey states himself, the trial is not just about Kringle but about the values he stands for: kindness, childhood faith and prioritizing people’s wishes over a single store’s profit.
Director Mary Springer does an amazing job of creating a play that can be experienced even with your eyes closed, with clear place and time transitions that make it easy to follow and a good balance between auditory elements, which is to be expected considering this is a radio broadcast. Still, the audio engineering, live music, and precise ‘voice’ acting combine beautifully to provide a captivating auditory experience. Props to Joy Ayer on the Trombone, Tyler Pattison on the Organ and Foley artists Rachel Rene and Rex Waters for their role in achieving that. Overall, the sounds are clear and well-rounded, and the music is refreshing, even if gloomy at times. Not to say that the visual aspect stays very far behind. The setup includes decade-appropriate costumes, authentic vintage microphones, checkered floors, an “On Air” sign and colorful lights, which help create the effect of a 1940s radio booth.
David Selvig is the radio announcer, and he appears sweet and genuine as he presents the play and presides over commercials. His intonation and pacing make it easy to follow and get engaged with the story. As Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus, Rick Springer is frail yet passionate, gentle yet excited and he delivers his lines with contagious energy. He plays the part of a pure man with a bit of mystery behind him and makes everyone root for him. As a contrast to the ever-ecstatic Santa, Ryan Asbert plays Mr. Galey, who seems more toned-down but is willing to put his career at risk to help someone he believes in. Asbert is firm, down-to-earth and playful as he tries to convince the world that magic exists. At the same time, he seems to convince his very skeptical romantic interest, Mrs. Walker, to put her faith before her logic. Although the least convincing part of the play is Mrs. Walker’s change of heart, this seems to be a character flaw even in the original film. Still, Hillary Heinz Luthi delivers a solid character, who’s unlikable at times but who comes across as a realistic portrayal of a real human being. Finally, it’s worth mentioning Sarah Starr Martin, who doesn’t usually play 8-year-old Susan considering she’s an adult, but who stepped up to the role instead of her younger costar when needed.
For the rest of the crew names and achievements, you’ll have to go watch them yourself. There are only four performances left of Miracle on 34th Street which are also, at risk of repeating myself, the last four performances of Twelfth Night Productions. I know that I wish I’d had more opportunities to watch their shows so do take this chance to allow them to show their craft. It’s a timeless show with comedy, tenderness, Christmas Carols and gentle storytelling.
Miracle on 34th Street, Twelfth Night Productions | Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, Seattle | December 16-17 at 7:30 pm, December 17-18 at 3:00 pm.