Seven Angels produces a memorable ‘Miracle’

Written by Joanne Greco Rochman
Thursday, 06 December 2012 13:37

Tim Cleary is a great Kris Kringle in the Seven Angels Theatre production of Miracle on 34th Street through Dec. 30.

The “Miracle on 34th Street,” currently playing at the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, is an outstanding community production featuring many talented and experienced area actors as well as some new young talents. Together they put on a show that is full of color, music, song and dance. The show begins with a Macy’s Day parade with acrobats, dancers, and very clever balloon handlers, and it is fast-paced and packed with fun. 

Many people are familiar with the movie “Miracle on 34th Street.” The Seven Angels production with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, is based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. The show centers on the overly realistic business woman who doesn’t believe in teaching her young daughter fairytales or myths. That includes Santa Claus. However, when the real Claus has his identity proved in a court battle, and delivers  everything on mom’s  and daughter’s wish list, they  believe anew.

Getting things off to a good start is Jonathan Ross as Mr. Macy. Tim Cleary delivers his best performance ever as the jolly Santa that every child imagines, and Cassie Taylor as Doris and Billy Hannon as Fred are doubly entertaining with their vocals and performances. Tom Chute, always smooth on stage, treats the audience to holiday  numbers before the show and then steps into the role of D.A. Thomas Mara with equal amounts of expression, enthusiasm, and confidence. Chuck Stango and Charles A. DellaRocco carry off their roles with ease. Adrienne Camm, a natural if ever there was one, plays Mrs. Beeler and other roles. She  has enough stage presence to capture the audience’s attention whenever she is on stage and when she is on it, she commands it no matter what role she plays. 

I don’t review children, but the youngsters in this show were terrific.  This is a large and super talented cast and includes Lauren Rupsis, Gary Rosengrant, James Donohue, Paul York, Aaron Sahle, Kaitlyn Mueller, Kristianna Mueller, Eric Gomez, Ryan Dellavechhia, Isabella Pinto, Christina Vlamis, Kadie Lee Tolderlund, Sydney Turner, Autumn Sheffy, Sharon Amundsen, Alexander Butler, Grace Rundhaug and Joe Stofko. 

Semina DeLaurentis never fails to direct a winning production, especially when she  has Richard DeRosa as her musical director. Janine Molinari’s choreography is realized beautifully by the talented cast. Jimmy Johansmeyer’s costumes contribute significantly to the colorful presentation as does Erik D. Diaz’s set design and Daniel Husvar’s prop design.  Filled with holiday themed songs, this show definitely captures the spirit of the season. Perfect for audiences of all ages. It plays through Dec. 30. Box office: 203- 591-8223

Joanne Greco Rochman is an active member in The American Theatre Critics Association, and covers art and culture in a blog for CBS National and CBS-CT.  She welcomes comments. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it