DONT MISS THIS HOLIDAY TRADITION IN THE GASLAMP QUARTER!
San Diego Musical Theatre brings back Miracle on 34th street again to the Gaslamp Quarter at the Horton Grand Theatre. The heartwarming holiday classic retold in the tradition of a live 1940’s era radio broadcast. When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court. Watch the miracle unfold when the belief of a little girl makes all the difference in this iconic story. Staged with live Foley effects and a score of favorite holiday tunes, Miracle on 34th Street is sure to melt even the most cynical of hearts.
The rich interior of the Horton Grand’s lobby and theatre itself welcomes guests to an equally cozy experience when watching this beautiful musical radio play that embodies the warmth and richness of the holiday season. Michael McKeon’s set design, complete with holiday antiquities and a beautiful Christmas tree, spills out into the lobby, with cushioned chairs, and a ledge above the entrance filled with Christmas décor that could be found in a 1940’s living room.
Executive Director of The San Diego Musical Theatre and Director of this production, Colleen Kollar Smith, gave myself and Sherry An last year a chance to tour the theatre and share in Kollar Smith’s excitement when working on this wonderful production.
“A lot of people have seen the movie “Miracle on 34th Street,” which is a wonderful, heartwarming story about the power of believing in something! We love our audiences to be completely immersed in a production. We have the head shots of the cast in the lobby as if they are from 1947. This has been an incredible ensemble collaboration. The design team and cast have all made this production so special, that I can’t stay away! We even decorated the Christmas tree on set together!” said Kollar Smith.
Kollar Smith’s husband, Lance Arthur Smith adapted the live radio play from the 1947 Lux Radio Hour Broadcast. Original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz rounds out the production complete with sponsor jingles and timely music.
“Our set designer also made sure to incorporate props that were actually used for a radio broadcast like this.” Said Kollar Smith gesturing over to the corner of the set filled with props such as rattles, boots (to make “walking sounds,”) a small door, and a piano.
“Miracle on 34th Street” runs from November 23 until December 23 with performances on Thursdays at 7:30PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 4:00PM and 8:00PM, and Sunday’s at 2PM. For tickets and more information, please visit sdmt.org or call the box office at (858) 560-5740
