Miracle on 34^th Street

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities: 11/27 – 12/23

         “Miracle on 34^th Street” is a visually magnificent production thanks to Brian Mallgrave’s superb scenic design. The show sparkles and shines thanks to Chris Campbell’s costume design and the eye-pleasing lighting by Vance McKenzie. The choreography by Piper Lindsey Arpan is bright, sassy and fun to watch. 

         Although the book, lyrics and music for this musical were penned by Meredith Willson the score is only passably pleasant in comparison with the ones he created for “The Music Man” and “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

     Nevertheless … Music Director David Nehls will make your ears believe that this score is another Miracle with just a wave of his magic baton. It is to be noted that four decades ago this reviewer picked up the vinyl version of a musical called “Here’s Love” at Woolworth’s in Billings, Montana. After listening to it once it was relegated to that pile of musical mistakes that the ninety-nine cent price tag should have suggested. Brava David Nehls and director Gavin Mayer for making a gorgeous Christmas musical out of that! Genius!

     Director Gavin Mayer has given the show a lively pace that kept the Saturday matinee audience enchanted throughout.

     The principals have been cast from somewhere out of town by wojcik/seay casting, llc. to do the superb job that any number of local actors could be doing. (Remember “Les Miserables?”)

     That said there are numerous local artists plugged into supporting roles and walk-ons.

Most notable among those in supporting roles are: Mark Rubald as a hilarious R.H. Macy and Ben Dicke as a funny funny super klutzy Melvin Shellhammer. The other shining stars in the firmament are: Shannan Steele, Colin Alexander, Heather Doris, Alex Ryer, Daniel Langhoff, Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck, Valerie Hill, Markus Warren, Matthew Dailey, Stephen Charles Turner and Andrew Diessner.

     It’s a wonderful holiday treat that will have you and your family in the holiday mood from start to finish.  Marlowe's Musings

 The award winning Arvada Center will open Miracle on 34^th Street, The Musical directed by Gavin Mayer on November 27 running through December 23, 2012 in the Main Stage Theater. The musical is based on the story “Miracle on 34^th Street” by Valentine Davies; book, music and lyrics were written and composed by Meredith Willson (The Music Man and The Unsinkable Molly Brown).  Performances are Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 1 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Preview performances are November 23 - 25. Moderated talkbacks with the cast are offered on Friday, December 7 after 7:30 p.m. show and Wednesday, December 12 after 1:00 p.m. show.  For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.