Miracle on 34th Street on stage at Rockwall Community Playhouse

(ROCKWALL, TX – Nov. 11, 2016) Want to go to New York for Christmas? Too far? Too expensive? What if you could get yourself to the middle of Manhattan just by driving your car a few miles, or even walking? It’s possible!

IMG_6965 (3) — August Gabriel plays Kris Kringle; Jesse Gonzales plays Fred; Hayle Norris plays Doris; Ava Lefere plays Susan.

Opening night of Rockwall Community Playhouse’s production of Miracle on 34th Street is only two weeks away. This favorite Christmas classic, directed by Darlene Singleton, is guaranteed to ignite your Christmas spirit in a BIG way. Set on the streets and in the holiday trimmed department stores of Manhattan (backdrops created by local artist Joetta Currie), the story of a no-nonsense mother and daughter, the “Real Kris Kringle,” and a nice guy with a soft heart for all three, unfolds.

The director has assembled an unexpectedly diverse cast that includes young and old, seasoned actors and first timers, black, white, brown, learning different and more elves than a Santa ever dreamed of. Each actor brings something unique and surprising to their otherwise traditional roles.

Singleton said, “When choosing a cast I always look for good actors, but more than that I look for chemistry, how each individual works with the others to portray the story. Gender or heritage is not always a factor. I have cast women in men’s roles and vice versa. And I always try to be color blind, casting a show and in my daily life, too.”

During the long weeks of rehearsal, a cast almost always becomes a family. This one is no different, but this cast also came with built-in family connections, too many to count! There are five Leferes (who you may recognize as the Zanata family), three Harrises, three McClanahans, nieces, nephews, cousins, moms and a partridge in a pear tree! Miracle on 34th Street is truly something that your family should not miss!

Show runs three weekends, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Because of some already sold out shows, Thursday, December 1 and Thursday, December 8 have been added. Thursday shows will start at 7 p.m. instead of 8.

Show dates are November 25, 26, 27, December 1,2,3,4 and December 8, 9, 10, 11. It is easiest and fastest to buy tickets online at rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org.

Written and submitted by Deb Caperton Ballard, Rockwall Community Playhouse.

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