reviews MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

 "One of the reasons why the show is rarely seen is that it’s merely okay.    The issue with Wilson’s work is the score. Director/Choreographer Victor Legarreta has taken on this large scale/ambitious project and perhaps opened the musical a week too early. The scenes between mother and daughter including the moment when Doris tucks Susan in bed at night feels authentic due to how well both actors play with each other. The Palms Theatre has a faithful audience that will no doubt enjoy Miracle on 34th Street while happily overlooking its production faults." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage

"It's a shame that the musical stage version of Miracle on 34th Street results in nothing more than the film plot on stage with a score that is adequate at best. The feel-good themes of the movie still come across, and the Palms Theatre production has a charming cast, colorful sets and costumes, and a winning small orchestra, yet Meredith Willson's score features only one memorable tune...  the plot, characters and themes are still heart-warming. "
" -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway

"With all due respect to the hard-working and well-intentioned performers (you know where this is going!), including such accomplished local vocalists like Danny Karapetian (Fred), Janine Smith (Doris), and Alex Gonzalez (R. H. Macy), I don't think that even the best of actors could salvage this mediocre product.  The book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, deservedly acclaimed for The Music Man and The Unsinkable Molly Brown, are uninspired and forgettable."  -Herbert Paine, Broadway World

photo: Mike Benedetto