'Miracle of 34th Street: The Musical' at Seven Angels - Another Review

I will admit that I almost didn't attend a performance of Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury. After all, I had gone to one of the first performances when it had played last year at Christmas time and written a review of what was a great production. I had heard that there were some cast changes this year, but I told myself that the show could not possibly be so different that it would warrant a new review. When I had driven to Macy's on Black Friday to take a few photos of cast members singing at the store in the Brass Center Mall, I had received a flyer for a discount off a ticket and I decided to go and support a few friends in the cast. Needless to say, I was very glad that I did so and I quickly realized that a completely new review is in fact warranted.

The lobby of the theatre was once again dressed by the real Macy's to look truly magical. The same wonderful set by Eric Diaz was back on the Seven Angels stage and the lighting designed by Matt Guminski made it look even better. Richard DeRosa directed a new group of musicians tucked into a small corner that sounded great. Inspired period costumes by Julianna Cirillo were perfectly festive.

Having recently seen the production of Miracle on 34th Street, I was immediately struck by how much I prefer the musical version. The Opening/Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade opens the show with a bang and nobody does a parade better than Seven Angels, except perhaps the real one in New York. The mostly fine musical numbers add so much to the story and as performed by this talented cast, were a joy to behold.

Therein lies the reason for the new review; the members of the cast that reprised their roles mixed in with some new recruits made for a completely new production. Last year's version was very well done, but this one was even better.

Sydney Taylor Turner played the small role of Miss Crookshank last year and has moved up to the lead role of Doris Walker. I thought she was wonderful as Alice Roosevelt in Teddy and Alice and her talent is well-used in this tricky role. She is a gifted singer with a glowing stage presence; I hope to be able to see her in many other productions. Jeremy Sevelovitz is just as good in the role of her love interest Fred. A recent graduate of the Hartt School, this young man is a natural. Rachel Weintraub, a ten year old songwriter, did a fine job as Doris' only daughter, Susan.

Jonathan Ross is back onstage as R.H. Macy and a balloon vendor at the parade. Patrick Spaulding made his Seven Angels debut as Judge Henry Harper, but I remembered him from Brigadoon at Musicals at Richter. Timothy Cleary, with the face of a cherub, returned as the ultimate Kris Kringle. Jimmy Donohue returns to Macy's as Shellhammer complete with his spats and trusty bagel. He sang, he danced, he mugged for the audience and I loved every minute of his performance.

Joe Stofko once again nailed the role of DA Thomas Mara and Charlie O'Halloran was played by the talented George Lombardo. The latter was unrecognizable as the loopy store psychologist Sawyer. Laura Solocius, a teacher at Wolcott High, covered the role of Miss Crookshank this year. Kerri Morris played the mother of Hendrika, while Grace Altenburger, who was one of the Annies at Blessed Sacrament this year, covered the role of the Dutch girl that last year was played by Sound of Music Live's Grace Rundhaug. Hillside student Lauren Rupsis was a member of the ensemble once again.

Gary Rosengrant returned to play three character roles and was so funny in all three. Todd Santa Maria covered four roles in his Seven Angels debut. John Lampe covered four roles as well and also made his debut at the theatre. Katie Lee Tolderlund reprised here role as Macy's clerk Ethel with a lot to say in a New York accent. Truth be told, I missed Chuck Stango

Semina De Laurentis directed this fine production and
Janine Molinari served as choreographer.
Tom Chute provided the radio announcer voiceovers as only he can. Remaining performances are Sat. 2:00 & 7:30/Sun.
2:00 & 7:30 and tickets are available at the box office.