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Miracle comes to Munster

Miracle on 34th Street: the Musical opens November 18 at Theatre at the Center

information provided by Big Splash PR

MUNSTER, Ind. (October 12, 2018) – Director Linda Fortunato has cast Roger Mueller as Kris Kringle, Stella Rose Hoyt as Susan, Courtney Jones as Doris, and Christopher Kale Jones as Fred for Theatre at the Center’s Miracle On 34th Street: The Musical. Previews begin November 15 with Opening Night on November 18 and a continued run through December 23.

The original 1947 American Christmas comedy-drama film, Miracle on 34th Street, was written and directed by George Seaton and based on a story by Valentine Davies. Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, a young Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn as Santa starred in the popular film, which received three Academy Awards and has remained a family favorite for decades.

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, features book, music, and lyrics all by Meredith Willson of The Music Man fame and was adapted from the 1947 movie. It opened on Broadway in 1963 with the show’s title changing during the decades—first Here’s Love, and later It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, a reference to the popular holiday song featured in the musical.

Roger Mueller returns to TATC where he was last seen in Here’s Love in 2000. Other credits include a Jeff Award for the role of John Adams in 1776 at the Marriott Theatre, Brigadoon at Goodman Theatre, All My Sons at Timeline Theatre, and Amadeus at Shakespeare Theatre.

Stella Rose Hoyt has performed throughout Chicagoland since age 4. She was last seen at TATC playing Molly in the 2016 holiday run of Annie Warbucks. She recently played Small Alison in the Chicago premier of Fun Home at Victory Gardens, Mary Claire in The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theatre, Young Cosette in Les Miserable, and Jane in Mary Poppins at Oak Lawn Theatre.

Courtney Jones, who is making her debut at TATC, recently played the role of Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet at Timberlake Playhouse. Other credits include Ragtime and Titanic at Griffin Theatre and Ordinary Days at BoHo. Jones also worked regionally with Chicago Shakespeare.

Christopher Kale Jones is making his acting debut at TATC after his recent one-man tribute— Darin: Bobby’s Biggest Hits—dazzled TATC audiences last summer. He is best known for playing Frankie Valli in the first National Broadway Tour of Jersey Boys. A former member of the popular singing group Under the Streetlamp, his other theater credits include The Battle of Little Jo at Steppenwolf, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Chicago Shakespeare, and The King and I at Marriott Theatre.

Additional cast members include Michael Kingston as Mr. Macy, Michael Potsic as District Attorney, Rick Rapp as the Judge, Sam Shankman as Sawyer, Amir Henderson as Harry, Liliana Rene as Hendrika, and Ethan Solis as Tommy, as well as Chris Carter, Veronica Garza, Matthew Huston, Rachel Klippel, Ashley Lanyon, Haley Jane Schafer, Hope Elizabeth Schafer and Trequon Tate.

Linda Fortunato, director and choreographer of Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, is in her third season as TATC Artistic Director, where her recent credits include directing the hits Ghost The Musical and Steel Magnolias as well as Cabaret and Big River.

Fortunato has been nominated for five Joseph Jefferson Awards for her work as choreographer and director and received both Equity and Non-Equity Jeff Awards for Outstanding Choreography in 2013-14 for TATC’s first Jeff Award for choreography of 42nd Street.

Miracle on 34th Street is certainly familiar from the classic 1947 film and its more modern remakes,” said Fortunato, who choreographed TATC’s It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in 2010 as well as Here’s Love in 2000, both the previous titles for the stage telling of this beloved story. “The story of the real Kris Kringle hired as Macy’s Santa Claus still touches hearts and reminds us of the power of the imagination. I am excited to share this classic story in musical form with audiences of all ages. From the littlest believers to those who may have lost sight of the magic of Christmas, this musical brightens the holiday season for all.”

The creative team for Miracle on 34th Street includes Scenic Designers Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, Lighting Designer G. Max Maxin IV, Sound Designer Barry Funderburg, Costume Designer Brenda Winstead, Wig Designer Kevin Barthel, and Prop Designer Devon Green. Stage Manager is Jessica Banaszak. Music Director is William Underwood. Fortunato is teamed with Richard Friedman, General Manager, and Ann Davis, Head of Production.

Performances are:

  • 2:00pm Wednesdays and Thursdays
  • 7:30pm Fridays
  • 3:00pm and 7.30pm Saturdays
  • 2:30pm Sundays
  • select Thursday and Sunday night performances

Individual ticket prices range from $42–$46. To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1532. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more. Student tickets are $20, and gift certificates are also available.

Theatre at the Center is located at 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, Indiana. Call 219-836-3255 or visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com for more information.

 

The Lansing Journal
The Lansing Journalhttps://thelansingjournal.com
The Lansing Journal publishes news releases from state, county, and local officials who provide information that impacts local community life. The particular contributor of each post is indicated in the byline.