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PHOTOS from "Miracle on 34th Street" at Studio Players

By John Posada

originally published: 12/06/2022 

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Studio Players is currently presenting Miracle on 34th Street from December 9-18. Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies and based upon the beloved Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. The script and story are exactly as you remember it. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Kris Kringle, living in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of good will with Macy’s customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous, Kris is in danger of being shipped off to Bellevue. The stakes couldn’t be higher: Kris’ freedom and one little girl’s belief in Santa.

The show is directed by Beatriz Esteban-Messina. She has directed several of Studio Player’s ‘Magic Trunk’ Series and currently sits on their ‘Diversity and Inclusion Committee’. The Playhouse is thrilled to welcome her back for another production. The production stage manager is Thomas Donohoe.

Though there are an abundance of Holiday films, TV episodes and plays, Miracle on 34th Street continues to be an enduring holiday classic. Director Esteban-Messina understands why, “It is sweet, nice, and makes you feel good. The "awe" factor is huge in this.” She adds, “The pretty colors and simplicity of my scenery lets the warmth come through. In this time of covid, flu, and nasty behavior it is just nice to watch something filled with gentle people.”

The show features a large cast, which was a big selling point to Esteban-Messina. While talking about the play she said, “It is uplifting, has great characters, and gave me the opportunity to cast many wonderful people.”

 

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The cast of Miracle on 34th Street includes: Aidan Carlson, Arthur Carlson, Kevin Dougherty, Janna Epstein, Hijilos Exume, Terry Fierro, Donna Fraissinet , John Fraissinet, Delaney Gianeruso, Beatrix Hart, Anne Hennessy, Julio Irizarry, Rachel Rubin Ladutke, Patrick Little, Samantha McGinn, Kara Misener, Jack Pignatello, Katherine Reardon, Allen Roberts, Cindy Ryan, Alexis Saarela, Zuiara Sinclair, Tara Spinelli, Francesca Stokes. The lead role of Susan is split between two incredible child actors, Samantha McGinn and Kara Misener. 

Performance dates are Friday, December 9 and 16 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 10 and 17 at 3:00pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday, December 11 and 18 at 3:00pm. Masks are required. 

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or purchased online. The service is available 24 hours a day and tickets can be purchased online up until one hour prior to curtain on the day of a performance. For information regarding box office hours, please call the box office at 973-744-9752. Patrons with special needs requiring seating accommodations should contact the Playhouse at least 24 hours prior to the performance. Without prior notice, accommodations cannot be guaranteed. Tickets are $25. All performances are at the Studio Playhouse, 14 Alvin Place, in Montclair, New Jersey.

Studio Players is a non-profit theatre company located in Montclair, New Jersey. Since 1937, we have been providing high quality entertainment at an affordable price. Each season delivers a variety of shows ranging from hit Broadway plays and musicals, to original works, to shows for children.  

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.