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Health & Fitness

Landmark Community Theatre's 'Miracle on 34th Street' - My Review

With impressive sets, a multitude of costume changes, some strong performances and lots of cute young actors, the production is a good one.

Landmark Community Theatre closes their second season with a play about a Christmas miracle. I had complimentary tickets to attend opening night at the historic Thomaston Opera House. With impressive sets, a multitude of costume changes, some strong performances and lots of cute young actors, the production is a good one.

This poignant play from the novel by Valentine Davies tells the classic story of a white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus and how he brings about a genuine MIRACLE on 34th street by spreading a wave of love throughout the city of New York. The resulting camaraderie between Macy’s and Gimbel’s Department Stores convinces a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.

I had only seen the musical version of this show; the lack of production numbers helped me to focus a little more on the story and the characters therein. There actually was a little singing here and there in addition the Jr. Opera House Carolers under the direction of Tricia Dunn that opened the first and second acts. This group of well-dressed children all came to audition for few children roles the show and their bios in the program are impressive. Director Gary Kingsbury is a life-long Thomaston resident and member of the Landmark Board of Trustees. He focuses on the miracle aspect of the show and in his notes thanks the children in the show for "leading the way."

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Rhiannon Carta served as choreographer, Barbara Piscopo designed the perfectly appropriate and lovely costumes and David Verdosci designed the wonderful sets built by Mark Rees and a bunch of volunteers. Caitlin Barra designed some clever lighting and Josh Peterson's sound designed was well done.

In the lead role of Kris Kringle, Litchfield resident Brock Putnam was the perfect Santa. His booming voice, white beard and fine acting ability served him well in the role.

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Dr. Pierce was played by Thomaston native Bruce Miller, the Judge was played by Robert Harrison in his TOH debut and Opera House favorite Nick Kreonides played Drunken Santa. Young Susan was played well by third grader Abigail Creech. Master Carpenter Mark Rees worked his magic on the stage as both Mr. Macy and Al the Postal Worker. Southbury's Patti Paganucci was Macy's worker Ms. Shellhammer.

The group of elves that are dedicated to Kris Kringle were played by WAMS freshman Louis Mollicosi, Watertown's Eve DiAngelis, Bristol resident Rhiannon Carta, and NVCC student Peter Bard. Lynn D’Ambrosi was a strong actress that covered a bag lady, Johnny's mom and zoo worker Finley. As opposing council Ms. Mara, Lori Holm was impressive, as was Steve Sorreiro as advisor to the Judge, Mr. Halloran.

The high strung Leslie Sawyer was played by a fine character actor named Ed Rosenbalt who returns to the TOH after a 17 year absence. The lovely Nicole Thomas played the jaded Doris Walker and David Marcharelli was her ever-loving neighbor Fred Gailey.

I always enjoy going to the Thomaston Opera house and it is an easy commute from Naugatuck. It is festively dressed for the holidays and listening to holiday music played on the magical pipe organ for the half hour before the show starts is worth arriving early.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET is showing December 6,7,13,14 @ 8pm and November 30, December 1,8,15 @ 2pm.


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