Auditions for ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

MANISTEE — The Manistee Civic Players will present “Miracle on 34th Street” in December. Auditions will be held next week. Director Carol Burba is looking for men, women and children of all ages to audition. Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script and learn a group song to sing.  No preparation necessary.

Show Description:   Kris Kringle takes on the cynics among us in this musical adaptation of the popular holiday favorite.  A white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine miracle on 34th Street, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, fostering camaraderie between Macy’s and Gimbel’s department stores, and convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.

Filled with humor, spectacle (the opening scene takes place at none other than Macy’s famous Thanksgiving Parade) and such beloved songs as “Pinecones and Hollyberries,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” and “My State, My Kansas,” this joyous, heart-warming musical is pure wholesome family entertainment.

Auditions are Sept. 29 and 30, 7 p.m., at the Ramsdell Theatre.

Show dates/times are: Friday and Saturday, December 5, 6, 12, & 13 at 7:30 p.m., Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kris Kringle (Male) Lovable, kind and warm. The very spirit of Santa Claus.

Doris Walker (Female) Attractive, no-nonsense, professional woman. Successful single mother who protects and loves her daughter very much.

Susan Walker (Young Female) Daughter to Doris Walker.  Bright, young girl with a natural sense of curiosity.

Fred Gailey (Male) A warm and thoughtful person whom everyone likes.  Professional lawyer who is in love with Doris.

Mr. Shellhammer (Male) Doris’ head assistant at Macy’s. A kind and likeable fellow who is often nervous and always conscious of doing whatever is politically correct.

Miss Adams (Female) Assistant to Doris under Mr. Shellhammer. Friendly with a child-like sense of

wonder and excitement.

Mr. R. H. Macy (Male) A tycoon whose very presence makes his employees tremble. Tough and stern on the outside, but has a soft spot for Kris and the spirit of Christmas.

Mr. Sawyer (Male) Nervous, mean and very nasty. The villain of the story. His goal from the start is to expose Santa Claus as a myth and Kris as a dangerous fraud.

Judge Henry Harper (Male) Older, father-like figure who oversees the dramatic court scene in the second act.

Thomas Mara (Male) Well-meaning District Attorney of the State of New York.

Thomas Mara, Junior (Young Male) Energetic, likeable young son of the District Attorney.

Dutch Girl (Young Female) Shy, adorable young girl who does not speak English.

Various Adult Roles (Male and Female, all ages) Includes: mothers, fathers, reporters, photographers, court officers, mailmen, hospital workers, secretaries, townspeople.

Various Children’s Roles (Male and Female, all ages): Speaking and non-speaking roles available.