“This is a great show for the family to come together,” director Justine Hanan said. “There are people of all ages in this production. If you love Christmas, you’re going to enjoy this show. It’s very cheerful, there are funny moments, there are sad moments, there’s highs and lows. It definitely keeps you on your toes. But it’s a great example of the spirit of Christmas, and who wants to miss out on that?”

After the first show on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., the crew will perform twice more, once on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and again on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with kids 12 and under getting a ticket for $5. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online at statestreetnewulm.org/events.

This will be Hanan’s second show she has directed at State Street Theater, though she has been involved with productions since 2019. Hanan also directed “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in 2024.

The Miracle crew has been working on the play since August and rehearsals started in September.

Dr. Pierce, left, played by Karen Sheie, and Kris Kringle, played by Bruce Bringle, talk during the opening scene of Miracle on 34th Street at State Street Theater.

The story follows Kris Kringle (played by Bruce Bringle), who believes he is the real Santa Claus, and the hijinks that follow.

“Our main character gets employed at Macy’s,” Hanan said. “And the results are not what you would expect. There are questions on whether or not he really is Santa Claus. Some believe and some don’t.”

Kringle unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy’s customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy’s vocational counselor, Sawyer (played by Gwen Ruff) who plots to have Kris shanghaied to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, Kringle ends up in a court competency hearing. One little girl’s belief in Santa is especially at stake.

Bringle has been involved with community theater since the mid 1990s but is in his first role at State Street Theater since moving to New Ulm about a year ago. Bringle said the character of Kringle was different and larger than any role he has taken on before.

“Its fun to get out and do something totally different,” he said. “Years ago, I played Santa in high school for a play, but I’ve never had such a big role before. I’m a little nervous about this … but it’s fun to get to do this and get to know people. It’s a really good time.”

A group of children from the caroling choir sit on a bench.

Those familiar with the movie will get to see a retelling that is just as humorous and cheerful.

“With any movie, they’re able to expand a lot more,” Hanan said. “There’s a lot more scenes, there’s a lot more they can bring to the story, where with the stage version it is a lot more condensed down. But the play production is just as charming and a really great show.”

Hanan said her favorite parts of directing the show has been working with the cast, which consists of 28 members, along with a choir of carolers.

“I have a wonderful cast,” she said. “They always bring someting a little different. And they’re so funny. Even in the little moments where people don’t have lines, they’re part of the scene and I’m like, ‘That was so funny.’ And they’re so creative. And we’ve had such a variety of people here too. We’ve got carolers who are a bunch of kids who are really animated and they’re really fun to work with. And then I have my regular cast here. It’s been great.

“Now we’re finally able to see some of the pieces come together and really see the show come to life. Seeing all the progress that we’ve made since September.”

Bringe said the play was sure to get those watching in the holiday spirit.

“It gets them to see that Christmas isn’t just all glitter and gold,” he said. “It’s a good way to see the talent in the area, and as far as Christmas goes, just get in the mood. I think they put it at the beginning of December for that type of reason.”