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| Emily Grace Anton and Cody Gerszewski Photo by Scott Samplin |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through December 29th.
"...a charming and faithful adaptation of the classic film....However, with a lackluster score that adds nothing to the plot and an ending that isn't as good as the film's, it doesn't quite measure up to the high amount of charm or the emotionally moving experience of the movie....Willson's book is full of warmth, and that has a lot to do with the fact that it's a fairly faithful adaptation of the Oscar winning film script by Valentine Davies and George Seaton. Unfortunately, the ending lacks the film's emotional focus and the score never rises to the high standards of Willson's The Music Man...Director James Rio does a very good job in adding many original bits of warmth, charm and humor that help detract somewhat from the weak score...In a perfectly poised and polished performance, Emily Grace Anton...is excellent as Susan. ...Melissa Mitchell is quite good as her mother Doris. ...As Fred, Cody Gerszewski is upbeat and full of charm and honesty and, like Mitchell, his vocals are excellent...As Kris Kringle, MJJ Cashman has the right look, though he could be a bit jollier....While the musical adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street doesn't add anything new to the classic film, and the score and ending are actually a slight detriment, the plot, characters and themes are still heartwarming and, with a cast and direction that help offset some of the show's shortcomings, Arizona Broadway Theatre's production still results in a feel-good charmer of a show." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"...While there’s little problem with Wilson’s book adaptation of the famous film that some tweaking could easily fix, his score for 'Miracle' is quite the Christmas turkey. With the Christmas wreaths hanging around the two lamps that flank the stage and the show’s overall colorful design, including lighted Christmas trees and seasonally decorated sets, ABT does what it can to add twinkle and make an ordinary work at least appear attractive..." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
"....it seems near incomprehensible and feels mostly disappointing that the same composer, Meredith Willson, who created THE MUSIC MAN would have fashioned something as ill-conceived and uninspiring as his adaptation of the film classic into a musical. ABT's production of MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, directed by James Rio, is more notable for some individual performances than it is for the flow of the story line or the overall staging. On the other hand, the elements of the show that may attract a child are two and far between, spirited numbers adeptly choreographed by Heather Adams..Ava Newton (who rotates in the role with Emily Grace Anton) is refreshing as Susan, revealing a sweet stage presence that is remarkable for a ten-year-old. Cody Gerszewski brings charm and dash to his turn as Fred Gaily...and while Ms. Mitchell totes a lovely voice, there's not the spark of mutual attraction that makes their unfolding romance credible..." - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)
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