Photograph by Joseph Michael Kenneth
There’s no higher time to consider in miracles than in the course of the season of Christmas. And what higher present to take pleasure in this time of yr than Miracle on thirty fourth Roadduring which characters clarify that “religion is believing in issues when widespread sense says to not”?
FreeFall Theatre Firm presents Miracle on thirty fourth Road: A Stay Musical Radio Play, an adaption from the 1947 Lux Radio broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith. The printed was itself primarily based on the film from that very same yr.
This present encompasses a parade of tunes (unique lyrics, music, and preparations by Jon Lorenz), and jazzy or distinctive renditions of standard vacation songs. This solid expertly handles these songs underneath the musical route of Michael Raabe, who is also the radio play’s pianist. I might hearken to a complete CD of their wealthy tones and luxurious harmonies.
Miracle on thirty fourth Road: A Stay Musical Radio Play
The comfortable set is a feast for the eyes with darkish woods, a lit tree, and gentle, mood-enhancing lighting. There are six clocks exhibiting the time at places all over the world (and so they’re all operating!), a number of standing microphones, and an “on air” signal set the tone for the radio broadcast with its reside viewers — we, the playgoers. The backdrop is a big paned window that exhibits scenes all through the present. The New York road, with big flakes hitting the window, was my favourite. It made me wish to don a wool cap and mittens and be part of the festive scene.
The story that the seven radio gamers inform is a well-known one which by no means grows previous. Single mother Doris (Hillary Scales-Lewis), who works for Macy’s, wants a last-minute substitute for the inebriated Santa for the shop’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade.
Luck has it that Doris finds the proper Santa, however his insistence that he’s Kris Kringle causes the sensible, doubting Doris concern. All of it results in a courtroom trial and a heart-warming conclusion for Doris and her daughter — proper in time for a Christmas miracle.
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Photograph by Joseph Michael Kenneth
The Seven Radio Gamers
The seven gamers — Larry Alexander, Jonathan Harrison, Joe D. Lauck, Michael Raabe, Julia Rifino, Hilary Scales-Lewis and Mya Simpkins — dive into quite a few roles. With at least 30 songs, they cleverly remade vacation tunes with show-appropriate lyrics starting from snappy jingles for Tupperware (“seize your Tupperware and use your burping seal”) and a rhythmic “Diamonds of Lux.”
Scales-Lewis and Harrison make a pleasant pairing, as do Doris and her beau, Fred. Grade-schooler Simpkins handles Doris’ daughter Susan with an ideal mix of precociousness, sweetness, and marvel when she sings “I can see the world in a snowflake.”
“I believe Fred can do nice issues if he applies himself,” Susan says.
Lauck has a delicate, kindly demeanor for his Kris Kringle position. In the meantime, Alexander and Rifino are the Swiss Military knives of the present. They deal with a number of roles with distinctive accents, swift accent modifications, and many pizazz.
Raabe as pianist and narrator retains a swift tempo to the present, an exquisite, entertaining option to get into the spirit of the season.
See Miracle on thirty fourth Road: A Stay Musical Radio Play
freeFall Theatre Firm, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. By way of Dec. 24. Wed.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 7 p.m.; Solar., 2 p.m. $25-$45. 727-498-5205, freefalltheatre.com.
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