Who can resist a lovable Santa Claus at Christmas time? How about one who claims to be the real Kris Kringle?
The cast and crew at Toby?s Dinner Theatre are all about believing in miracles this holiday season with their production of “Here?s Love: The Miracle on 34th Street Musical.”
“We?re doing eight shows a week, and [ticket] sales have been wonderful,” said Nancy Michel, marketing director at Toby?s Columbia. “After all, it?s a story about Santa Claus.”
Based on the classic film “Miracle on 34th Street,” starring Maureen O?Hara and a young Natalie Wood, the story explores the cynicism and commercialism of the Christmas season and challenges us to believe in the goodness and love in people?s hearts, as exemplified by none other than the “real” Santa.
The musical version, as staged in the 300-seat dinner theater, features spectacle (the opening scene takes place at the famous Macy?s Thanksgiving Day Parade) and beloved songs of the season, such as “Pine Cones and Holly Berries” and “It?s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
“This is good holiday fun,” Shawn Kettering said of his main-stage directorial debut. “The show deals with the commercialism of the season and the Macy?s-Gimbel?s rivalry, but the real message is about spreading love and having Christmas spirit.”
The spirit of holiday feasting is also present in a guest buffet that includes baked Virginia ham and roast turkey with all the trimmings.
Actor Jeffrey Shankle portrays Fred Gailey, the lawyer and male love interest in the story. He knew instinctively the production would be a hit.
“Because it?s a live performance, it?s different every night,” he said. “The theater is small and the audience is right in there with you. They feel special and more a part of the story.”
If you go
“Here?s Love: The Miracle on 34th Street Musical”
» Venue: Toby?s Dinner Theatre of Columbia, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia
» Times: Through Jan. 14
» More info: Call the ticket office at 410-995-1969 for show times, ticket prices and group sales.
