Theatre Wellesley takes on its biggest production yet with Miracle on 34th Street
By Galen Simmons
Theatre Wellesley is going big for the holidays this year, taking on what director Mary Beth Jantzi says could be the community theatre group’s largest production ever.
Miracle on 34th Street will take the stage at Steinmann Mennonite Church Nov. 26-29, bringing the familiar story of Kris Kringle, a New York department-store Santa who insists he is the real thing, to life with one of the largest casts and crews in Theatre Wellesley history.
“This is a bigger play than Theatre Wellesley has done maybe ever, but certainly in a long time,” Jantzi said. “We chose it because it was Christmas themed and because it was big. It gives us a bit more of a challenge.”
Taking on that challenge has meant involving more people both on and off stage, from two assistant directors, a stage manager and producer to set builders, painters, costume designers and other volunteers. Jantzi said the production includes roughly 60 costumes alone.
“It does take a big group to put on a big play,” she said.
Perhaps most encouraging for the future of Theatre Wellesley is how many young performers have become part of that group.
Almost every young person who auditioned for Miracle on 34th Street previously took part in Theatre Wellesley’s youth workshops, which Jantzi and other members began offering to introduce local kids to acting and live theatre.
The production features the most young actors Theatre Wellesley has had in a show, including two performers who will alternate in the role of Susan before joining the ensemble for the other performances. Other young actors will have speaking or singing roles, while even those without lines have been encouraged to develop backstories for their characters.
For Jantzi, the response demonstrates the workshops are already helping create a new generation of community-theatre performers.
“There’s so much interest and so many talented youth in the community,” she said. “It’s such a privilege to help them develop their confidence and find their voices as performers.”
Adapted for the stage by Canadian playwrights Caleb Marshall and Erin Keating from the story by Valentine Davies, Miracle on 34th Street follows Kris Kringle as he brings a little faith, generosity and Christmas magic into the lives of Doris Walker, her skeptical daughter, Susan, and those around them.
Jantzi said “hope” became the central theme she wanted to carry throughout the production.
“For me the anchor was hope,” she said. “So, this is a play about hope.”
Miracle on 34th Street runs Nov. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. at Steinmann Mennonite Church Hall, 1316 Snyder’s Rd. W., Baden. Tickets are $25 and are available online at theatrewellesley.com or by cash at Pym’s Village Market in Wellesley. Santa will also be in the lobby before each performance for photos and Christmas wishes.
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