The heart-warming story of a holiday miracle, set in New York City, following Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy's department store employee Kris Kringle (to be played by a surprise actor), brings the joy and happiness of the holiday season to a little girl (Ashley Schaefer), her mother (Ruth Schaefer) and a stressed-out lawyer (Kent Menzel).
Is Kris Kringle the real Santa Claus? A court will have to decide.
Menzel wrote the play script adapted from the 1947 Christmas film written by George Seaton from a story by Valentine Davies.
Article Photos
Pictured from left are cast members, David Henning, Keara Roberts, Kent Menzel, Janet Holm, Ruth Schaefer, Paul Henning, Miriam Henning.
The film won Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Writing, Original Story, and Best Writing, Screenplay. It was nominated for Best Picture, losing to "Gentlemen's Agreement."
"It's new, exciting and fun. It's the first time I adapted the script," said Menzel who also plays the stressed-out lawyer in the production.
The production is directed by Chicago-native Paul Warshauer, who came to New Ulm two years ago to direct a murder mystery for NUACT at The Grand at the request of the late Bobbi McCrea. He didn't plan to stay in town, but as NUACT's Executive Director, he is finding it hard to leave.
Fact Box
If you go...
What: NUACT? performances of Miracle on 34th Street
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16.
Where: Performances will be in the Martin Luther College Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and children and $7 for adults.
The cast:
Doris WalkerJanet Holm
Suzie WalkerOlivia Menzel
Margaret (Cleo)Lauren McDuffie
Kris Kringlesurprise actor
StorekeeperDavid Henning
Drunk Santa ClausJohn Knisley
Mr. ShellhammerPaul Henning
Fred GaileyKent Menzel
Alice (alfred)Miriam Henning
PeterPatrick Leonard
Peter's momBrenda Nielsen
TinaOlivia Menzel
Singing Dutch GirlAshley Schaefer
Dutch Girl's MomRuth Schaefer
Miss AdamsMiriam Henning
Mr. MacyJohn Knisley
Mr. SawyerMark Santelman
Dr. PierceRuth Schaefer
Mr. GimbelDavid Henning
Thomas MarrahPaul Henning
Judge Henry HarperJohn Knisley
CharleyPaul Warshauer
Mrs. Thomas MarrahBrenda Nielsen
Thomas Marrah Jr.Patrick Leonard
Lou, postal workerMark Santelman
Johnny, postal workerPaul Henning
Newsboy 1Emily Knisley
Newsboy 2Olivia Menzel/Patrick Leonard
Newsboy 3Lauren Duffie
Card girlAshley Schaefer
AnnouncerMark Santelman
Stage directorKeara Roberts
Warshauer, who directed as well as produced the play said "Miracle on 34th Street" may be the best Christmas story for Americans in 2012 because the commercialization of the holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Years makes us all wonder, have we lost sight of the true meaning of the season?
"This great radio play should be seen by families, couples, kids, and seniors, then discussed over the holiday," Warshauer said. "The cast is incredible. Their voices tell the story in an incredible fashion."
Performances at the New Ulm Martin Luther College Auditorium begin at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16. Tickets are available at Hy-Vee, Cashwise, New Ulm Chamber of Commerce and at the door of online at newulmact.com $5 for students and children and $7 for adults.
For more information, visit newulmact.com/