The spirit of Christmas lit up the stage at Festival Hall last weekend and will do so again this weekend.
Lake Country Players’ production of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play,” reminds us that kindness is far more valuable than materialism, even in the realm of retail. The theater’s intimate setting seems to immerse the audience in each scene.
The Christmas classic story takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York City and features a department-store Santa Claus and the people around him who don’t believe in Santa. The live radio version takes the audience into a radio station where voice actors tell the story.
Festival Hall’s stage is lined with retro-style microphones that the characters use to tell their story to the radio audience. Behind them, the other actors and radio staff quietly work, chat, and sip coffee while snow occasionally falls outside a window.
“The costumes are great,” said audience member Jennifer Faulkinberry. “They look just like the 1940s when the story was written.”
The sound booth is also on the stage. Sound technicians and Foley artists Stacey Ralston and Abbie Ralston can be seen using their various props, which include a wooden box with a hinged side for a door knock or door slam, a manual typewriter, various bells, and other unique items. And sound board operator Zac Ralston ensures no sound goes unheard.
Traditional instrumental carols are also played, and a pianist provides the dramatic background music. Of course, no radio program is complete without commercials, and LCP’s version advertises local businesses. There was nothing routine or boring about the commercials, thanks to the expert choreography of Mo Brower, and the talents and humor of the actors.
The heartwarming tale is brought to life by cast members: Brower, Rusty Faulk, Lu Feldman, Michael Feldman, Carol Grant, Brandon Groome, William Humphrey, Beth Mappes, Erin McCurry, Art Shutt, Greg Tantum, Suzanne Vest, and Ann Campbell Vinson. Almost all of them play multiple characters, but because the audience is witnessing a radio production, the actors are in their same street clothes, no matter which character they’re portraying at the microphone.
“He’s a cute Santa; I’d take him home with me,” audience member Phyllis Holland said with a laugh during the intermission.
“And that little girl was so natural,” she added on a serious note.
Santa Claus/Kris Kringle was played by Greg Tantum, and the child Gracie Walker was played by Ann Campbell Vinson, a Lake Oconee Academy student.
“She’s very natural,” Randi Trojan said of Ann. “She’s not nervous at all; she’s just having fun up there.”
“Miracle on 34th Street” is award-winning TV director Leigh Lofgren’s first Lake Country Players production to direct. A professional photographer, Lofgren usually takes photographs for LCP.
“I’m just thrilled I was asked to direct ‘Miracle’,” Lofgren said. “It’s a great cast of old friends, and I’ve also met some new ones. They’re just phenomenal.”
In addition to playing seven different “Miracle” characters on the stage, Shutt serves as assistant director of the production. It marks his fifth appearance with LCP. The harmonious melodies are thanks to music director Michael Wells.
“Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play” continues this week at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, through Saturday, Nov. 15, at Festival Hall, 201 N. Main St., Greensboro.
Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online at FestivalHallGa.com.