When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved musical that will melt even the most cynical of hearts.
SYNOPSIS
Synopsis
The “studio” audience filters in, and our announcer sets up the conceit of the evening (“KSDMT Theme/Introductions”). It’s 1947 and time for a star-studded telling of that classic tale, Miracle on 34th Street, presented by various sponsors (“Jingle”). Our story beings as Doris Walker frantically recruits a last-minute replacement for a drunken Santa for Macy's Christmas parade (“Macy’s Parade Song”). The man proves ideal for the job, and for good reason— he says his name is Kris Kringle and that he's the real Santa Claus.
Excusing herself from the parade, Doris finds her daughter, Susan, watching the parade in neighbor Fred Gailey’s apartment. Fred enjoys the spirit of the season, while Doris has taught her daughter not to believe in Santa Claus. Still, says Susan, this new Santa is the most realistic one yet.
At Macy’s department store (“Toy Department Song”), Kris is proving to be popular as well. He seems know just what kids would like to have and creates a bit of a sensation when he refers shoppers to other stores rather than Macy's. Fred brings Susan to Doris’ office by way of the Toy Department. He attempts to explain to Doris his intent, but she insists he not interfere in how she raises her daughter (“A Little Make Believe”).
Irate, Doris dismisses Kris but upon Mr. Macy’s insistence, hires him back pending a psychological exam (“A Little Case of Christmas”). The psychologist swears Kris is crazy, but a doctor friend at Kris’ retirement community suggests someone in the city rent him a room— that someone is Fred (“Jazzy, Sleepy and Final King Wenceslas”). With Doris and Susan living just down the hall from them, Fred and Kris become good friends, and all four begin to discover a lasting bond.
With competition fierce between Macy’s and Gimbels (“Macy’s Ad,” “Gimbels Ad”), Doris recommends a photo op with the two head honchos and the best department store Santa in ages (“Macy’s/Gimbels Mashup”). It’s a smashing success, and the waters appear to have calmed.
But when Kris has another run-in with the department store's psychologist (“You Better Watch Out”), Kris is provoked into smacking some sense into him— with his silver-topped cane!
Fred rushes to Bellevue Hospital (“God Rest Ye Merry, Gents”), where Kris miserably awaits a court hearing. He convinces Kris not to give up hope, and that he’ll represent the would-be Santa as his attorney (“Santa, Don’t Let Us Down”).
A dismal dinner between Doris, Fred, and Susan ends in hope as Doris inadvertently gives Fred an idea of how to prove Kris is the real Santa Claus. Meanwhile, paperboys hawk the latest preposterous headlines (“Headline News”).
Once the hearing begins, Judge Harper realizes the “easy” case is anything but— and he adjourns until the following day.
At dinner (“Jazzy Halls”) Fred informs Doris that he quit his law firm. He’ll go into business for himself, championing the downtrodden. Doris finds it noble but foolish. The two can’t seem to click, and decide to take a break (“Melancholy Halls”).
The next day, Mr. Macy himself appears as a witness. After pressure from Mr. Mara, the Assistant District Attorney, Macy states his belief in Kris as the one true Santa Claus. Mara asks for evidence, and Fred asks for more time to solidify his case.
Missing her friend, Susan writes a letter to Kris (“I Believe In You”), and Doris advises her to address it to him at the courthouse. It’s addressed to Santa Claus, and Doris races down the hall to show Fred. The two reconcile and figure out a way to save Kris.
In court (“USPS Jingle”) Judge Harper asks Fred for his evidence and Fred provides it— thousands of letters in bags addressed to Santa Claus, all delivered to Kris at the courthouse. If the USPS recognizes Kris as the one true Santa, Judge Harper is not about to disagree. Case dismissed! Besides, it’s Christmas Eve (“Tidings Of Comfort And Joy”)!
At the retirement community, Macy and Gimbel share in a duet, while Kris attends to his friends. Doris believes in him, Fred is relieved, but Susan is unsure. She didn’t get the present for which she asked, the present of a home with a swing and a family to go in it. Kris reminds her to believe.
On the drive home, per Kris’ directions, Doris, Susan, and Fred come to a house matching Susan’s wish. It’s for sale, and even has a swing in the back. Next to the fireplace inside, a beautiful cane with a silver top (“Miracles”).
Our story concluded, the announcer thanks the radio stars and bids the audience a joyous holiday season (“Carol Palooza”)!
QUOTE
Miracle on 34th Street lights up the holidays!
–James Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune
More Info
Characters (Radio Stars Named First):
KRISTOFER VAN LISBERG as KRIS KRINGLE: Santa Claus. Singing optional* F3-E4
GRACIE DEMARCO as SUSAN WALKER: Her precocious daughter (Age 8). C4-C5
CORDELIA RAGSDALE as DORIS WALKER: Macy’s public relations expert. Alto/mezzo-soprano C4-C#5. (Also plays Mother, Girl, and Others.)
GRADY WILLIAMS as FRED GAILEY: Lawyer, looking for love and a miracle. Baritone/tenor Bb3-G4. (Also plays Alfred and Others.)
WALLACE AINSLEY as MALE CHARACTER ACTOR. Versatile. Baritone B3-E4. (Plays Drunken Santa, Shellhammer, Dr. Sawyer, Gimbel, R.H. Macy, Thomas Mara, Others.)
OLIVIA GLATT as FEMALE CHARACTER ACTOR. Versatile. Soprano C4-E5. (Plays Mortimer, 2nd Mother, Miss Prong, Dr. Pierce, Nurse, Charley, Mrs. Mara, Tommy, Others.)
ALEX MIALDO as ANNOUNCER, FOLEY ARTIST and JUDGE. Plays keyboard. Bass/baritone F2-E4
Additional Character Pool, played by the company:
DRUNKEN SANTA: Tight as a knot.
SHELLHAMMER: Macy’s PR man.
R.H. MACY: Owner of the department store.
ALFRED: Kris’ coworker.
SAWYER: Stuffy head of the personnel department.
MISS PRONG: His secretary.
MOTHER: Thick NY accent. Shopper.
MORTIMER: Her son. Wants toys.
GIRL: Also wants toys.
2ND MOTHER: Girl’s mum.
DR. PIERCE: Psychiatrist and friend to Kris.
GIMBEL: Owner of Gimbels, Macy’s hated rival.
NURSE: At Bellevue Hospital.
JUDGE: Hard as granite.
CHARLEY: Judge’s friend, an Irish priest.
THOMAS MARA: Prosecuting attorney.
MRS. MARA: His wife.
TOMMY: Their son.
POSTMAN: Jovial, knows the denizens of NYC well.
OTHERS: Various REPORTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, CROWD
CASTING NOTE: The above breakdown of roles represents the original division of parts. This breakdown can be amended as you see fit to suit your production needs (e.g. Alex Mialdo can play piano and do foley, while another actor plays the Announcer); however, the same actor should play both MACY and GIMBEL.
*KRIS can be played by a non-singer, in which case his solos in #29 (“Don’t Let Us Down”) and #46 (“Carol-Palooza”) can be assigned to other actors.
Setting: A radio studio in NYC, circa 1947, then NYC, same.
- KSDMT Evening Of Radio Theme
- Tupperware Jingle
- Macy’s Parade Song –Part 1
- Macy’s Parade Song –Part 2: Santa!
- Macy’s Parade Song –Part 3: Finale!
- Toy Department Song Pt 1
- Toy Department Song Pt 2
- A Little Make Believe
- A Little Case of Christmas
- Jazzy King Wenceslas
- Sleepy King Wenceslas
- Final King Wenceslas
- Macy’s Jingle
- Gimbels’ Jingle
- Macy’s Vs. Gimbels Mash-Up
- Finale: You Better Watch Out!
- T.I.G. Jingle
- Rest Ye Merry, Gents
- Don't Let Us Down
- Headline News
- Jazzy Halls
- Melancholy Halls
- I Believe In You
- USPS March
- Tidings of Comfort And Joy
- Miracles
- Carol-Palooza
Performance Royalties are based on theater particulars.
Billing responsibilities, pertinent copyright information, and playwrights' biographies are available in the show rider that comes with your license agreement.
“Just when you think thereʼs nothing new under the sun (or inside the snow globe), along comes a Christmas show that reminds even the Scrooge-iest soul how rewarding holiday theater can be." –James Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune
"Whatʼs especially impressive about Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play is the way it brings fresh snap to both a familiar story and a time-tested production concept.” –James Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune
“…the piece, adapted with an expert touch by Lance Arthur Smith, is gift-wrapped in Jon Lorenzʼs fetching musical score, which includes both original songs and distinctive arrangements of Christmas favorites.” –James Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune
"In small ways and large, this 'Miracle' summons the warm glow of the season— no applause sign required.” –James Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune
“The production has snappy deliveries and fast-paced music— there is no time to get bored.” –Mukul Khurana, San Diego Reader
“By virtue of enthusiastic performances, we are transported into an almost magical world. And the voices delight; it is easy to get carried away by the music alone.” –Mukul Khurana, San Diego Reader
“Well done. And you might leave with joy in your heart.”–Mukul Khurana, San Diego Reader
“Tunes are a blend of holiday songs and original musical numbers by Jon Lorenz. Numbers such as 'Macy's Parade Song,' 'Don't Let Us Down' and 'Headline News' are written with enjoyable retro style. Ending the program on a touching note is Lorenz's finale, 'Miracles.' Yet, the music and lyrics are so delicately combined, they won't be able to resist the inevitably heart-tugging conclusion.” –David Dixon, Talkin' Broadway Regional News & Reviews
“An eve of yuletide cheer.” –David Dixon, Talkin' Broadway Regional News & Reviews
"Lance Arthur Smith’s new adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play has serious Christmas spirit, replete with a variety of Christmas music, old-timey adverts, and jingly jingles." —Dana Martin, Stage Raw
"If you’re in need of a miracle, look no further than the Los Angeles premiere of Lance Arthur Smith‘s new adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play." —Marc Wheeler, Stage and Cinema
"The charming script is by Lance Arthur Smith. I loved Jon Lorenz’s music, especially the close-harmony arrangements of favorite carols. Miracle on 34th Street is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face." —Jean Lowerison, SDGSN
Materials: Digital Materials are provided via email as downloadable PDF files for you to print in-house. All materials are yours to keep! No deposits, no returns.
Required Production Materials for Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play include:
- 7 Cast Script and Vocal Book
- 2 Director's Scripts
- Piano/Vocal Scores
- Logo Pack
- Stage Manager Script
Orchestrations:
- Piano
Official Logo Pack Now Included!
To help you promote your show, Stage Rights now includes a logo pack with your license. The logo pack includes high-resolution versions (both color and black and white) of our show logo. The logo is the portion of the artwork with the show's title. The surrounding artwork is also available for an additional fee.
Production Resources:
- Official Logo Pack
- Customizable Poster & Layered Artwork
- Social Media Marketing Kit
- Rehearsal Tracks
- Performance Tracks- Piano Only
Official Show Poster and Layered Artwork are available for this title. We’ve collaborated with our partners at Subplot Studio to bring you powerful and easy-to-use online poster design and downloadable artwork for this Stage Rights title. Customize by adding your theater name and logo, show dates, credits, and box office info, and use elements in the layered artwork to create your own print and online marketing pieces. You can even order printed posters! Learn more at www.subplotstudio.com/store/posters/collection/stage-rights/
GALLERY
Gallery
Available Products
Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play
Adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast
by Lance Arthur Smith
Original Songs and Arrangements by Jon Lorenz
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