Arts Club Theatre Company presents Miracle on 34th Street – A Fresh Take on a Christmas Classic

ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

MIRACLE ON 34^TH STREET

A FRESH TAKE ON A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

Adapted by Caleb Marshall

& Erin Keating from the Classic Story by Valentine Davies

November 21–December 29, 2024

The Arts Club Theatre Company presents a Christmas classic this holiday season with Miracle on 34^th Street on the Granville Island Stage

Miracle on 34th Street was originally released as a film in 1947 and quickly became a holiday classic. Written by Valentine Davies and directed by George Seaton, the story has been adapted for the stage, television, and even radio over the decades. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes of kindness, belief, and the magic of the holiday season. The Arts Club Theatre Company’s production captures the spirit of the original film while bringing a fresh, theatrical twist to this beloved Christmas tale November 21 to December 29.

When Kris Kringle starts working as a Santa at Macy’s department store and begins to spread Christmas cheer, things tumble out of control. He’s truly Santa Claus, he insists, but skeptical adults and an unimaginative little girl doubt him. The stakes rise when store executives take Kris to court, where he must prove he’s the real thing. As Kris takes on the challenge of proving his identity in a courtroom showdown, the audience is left to question—can there really be a Santa Claus? This endearing story fills our hearts and restores a childhood sense of wonder.

“This timeless tale of hope and family is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and share in the joy of the season with your loved ones,” said Ashlie Corcoran, Artistic Director of the Arts Club. “We’re excited to bring this cherished classic to Vancouver in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the story or discovering it for the first time, this production will remind you of the importance of believing in the goodness of others.”

Audiences will be transported to the bustling streets of New York City and the enchanting atmosphere of Macy’s department store, complete with heartwarming moments, and plenty of holiday cheer. Omari Newton directs this production featuring Alaia Hamer’s costume design, Amir Ofek’s set design, Jonathan Kim’s lighting design, and Owen Belton’s sound design.

This year’s production features a talented cast, including several members familiar to audiences from their roles in past Arts Club productions and Hallmark Channel films. In the role of Kris Kringle is Vancouver’s own Kevin McNulty, a seasoned film, TV and theatre actor brings his incredibly diverse experience to this charming role.

CAST

Azriel Dalman (Mortimer/Tommy), Tess Degenstein (Mrs. Shellhammer/Mother/Stenographer & Performing Understudy for Doris Walker), Michelle Harrison (Doris Walker), Jay Hindle (Fred Gailey), Siggi Kaldestad (Susan Walker), Nathan Kay (Shellhammer/Judge/Postman), Alex MacIsaac(Susan Walker), Kevin McNulty (Kris Kringle), Ashley O’Connell (Gimbel/Parade Santa/Sawyer/Charley & Performing Understudy for Kris Kringle),Denzel Onaba (Mortimer/Tommy), Kamyar Pazandeh (Ensemble/Performing Understudy for Fred Gailey, Shellhammer, Gimbel, Macy), Julio Rod Marin (Alfred/Mara), Emma Slipp (Ensemble/Performing Understudy for Mrs. Shellhammer & Alfred/Mara), Raugi Yu (R.H. Macy/Father/Pierce/Bailiff/Louie)

CREATIVE TEAM

Omari Newton (Director), Michelle Thorne-Speir (Assistant Director), Amir Ofek (Set Designer), Alaia Hamer (Costume Designer), Jonathan Kim(Lighting Designer), Owen Belton (Sound Designer), Jonathan Hawley Purvis (Fight Director), Aryn Mott (Intimacy Director), Angela Beaulieu(Stage Manager), Jenny Kim (Assistant Stage Manager), Lisa Goebel (Movement Consultant), Brynna Drummond (Child Supervisor)

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ABOUT THE ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY

The Arts Club Theatre Company is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular thexʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations. We invite you to reflect on your relationship to these lands.

The Arts Club is one of the largest not-for-profit theatre organizations in the country and is the principal gathering place for the theatrical arts in British Columbia. Comprising three unique venues across Vancouver, the Arts Club welcomes more than a quarter million guests annually, tours provincially and nationally, and engages students and artists alike through educational and professional programs.

Above all, the Arts Club is dedicated to the advancement of local artists telling stories from around the globe and, in particular, those of our region. From this, we believe that culture expands, an understanding of differences is nurtured, and art bursts forth. The Arts Club was founded in 1964 and is currently led by Artistic Director Ashlie Corcoran and Executive Director Peter Cathie White.

A not-for-profit registered charity · No. 11921 3551 RR0001

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Media release provided by Cynnamon Schreinert, Hartley PR