Actors Co-op Theatre Company is proud to present the Los Angeles premiere of a new adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play, based on the 1947 Lux Radio Hour, adapted by Lance Arthur Smith, original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz, directed by Joseph Leo Bwarie, brings a heartwarming and classic tale of faith, love, and the gift of miracles to the holiday season, featuring live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols this beautiful story is sure to ring in Christmas for all. November 1 – December 15. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm. Special Saturday matinees 11/9 and 11/16 at 2:30 pm. Dark 11/29, 11/30 and 12/01. Additional Saturday matinees have been added 12/07 and 12/14 at 2:30 pm. OVATION RECOMMENDED PRODUCTION!!! Tickets are selling quickly. Please purchase tickets as soon as possible. Adults: $39, Seniors (60 & over) $35, Students w/ ID: $30.00. Group Rates Available. Tickets and information: www.actorsco-op.org or (323) 462-8460 ex.300. Student Rush tickets are available at Friday performances (excluding opening night) on a first-come, first-serve basis subject to availability. Actors Co-op David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A Live Musical Radio Show
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The actors create ambient sound effects throughout: ringing phones, slamming doors, footsteps and poured coffee. These are never short on charm. The radio play itself meanders in and out of the featured story, depleting any sort of central focus. The show clips along nicely in the first act, but the ballad-heavy second act loses considerable steam and energy and finds several of the performers vocally tired. The performances are charmingly earnest, but there’s simply too much material.
It’s been some time since Actors Co-op has staged a full-fledged Christmas show as part of their mainstage season, all the more reason to celebrate Miracle On 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play’s crowd-pleasing arrival as the holidays approach.
Directed by Joseph Leo Bwarie with musical direction by Anthony Lucca and choreography by Anna Aimee White, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET turns into an extravaganza of music and song as the radio characters solo, harmonize, and weave their bodies to create a melodic and very special time of year. Accompanied by a talented cast of actors who sing their hearts out, narrator/pianist Phil Crowley keeps the show upbeat and fun.
What makes this version unique is Jon Lorenz’s original music. Under the music direction of Anthony Lucca, these jazzy spirits spill out in a multitude of ways: advertising jingles during newly scripted commercial breaks; reworked traditional carols; and original numbers with tight harmonies reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. Lorenz’s delightful music and lyrics elevate the book magically. So integrated is his 40s-era score into this radio play, it’s easy to forget it was never originally there. In fact, it’s hard now to imagine Miracle without it.
As I said, I normally do not like most Christmas shows, especially if they get too religious. But this one, well, was a lot of fun. The story is a clever one, with the right amounts of sentimentality and humor. It was well performed, with engaging performers who were clearly having fun with their roles. It makes a religious point, but one that isn’t too offensive if you aren’t Christian. As Christmas plays go, this was really quite enjoyable.
The actors create ambient sound effects throughout: ringing phones, slamming doors, footsteps and poured coffee. These are never short on charm. The radio play itself meanders in and out of the featured story, depleting any sort of central focus. The show clips along nicely in the first act, but the ballad-heavy second act loses considerable steam and energy and finds several of the performers vocally tired. The performances are charmingly earnest, but there’s simply too much material.
It’s been some time since Actors Co-op has staged a full-fledged Christmas show as part of their mainstage season, all the more reason to celebrate Miracle On 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play’s crowd-pleasing arrival as the holidays approach.
Directed by Joseph Leo Bwarie with musical direction by Anthony Lucca and choreography by Anna Aimee White, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET turns into an extravaganza of music and song as the radio characters solo, harmonize, and weave their bodies to create a melodic and very special time of year. Accompanied by a talented cast of actors who sing their hearts out, narrator/pianist Phil Crowley keeps the show upbeat and fun.
What makes this version unique is Jon Lorenz’s original music. Under the music direction of Anthony Lucca, these jazzy spirits spill out in a multitude of ways: advertising jingles during newly scripted commercial breaks; reworked traditional carols; and original numbers with tight harmonies reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. Lorenz’s delightful music and lyrics elevate the book magically. So integrated is his 40s-era score into this radio play, it’s easy to forget it was never originally there. In fact, it’s hard now to imagine Miracle without it.
As I said, I normally do not like most Christmas shows, especially if they get too religious. But this one, well, was a lot of fun. The story is a clever one, with the right amounts of sentimentality and humor. It was well performed, with engaging performers who were clearly having fun with their roles. It makes a religious point, but one that isn’t too offensive if you aren’t Christian. As Christmas plays go, this was really quite enjoyable.
