It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Persephone Theatre is leading the charge with their production of a beloved holiday classic.
The holiday show for the big Saskatoon theatre is Miracle on 34th Street, an adaptation of the original story and screenplay by Valentine Davies. The department store Macy’s hires an enigmatic new Santa Claus for the season named Kris Kringle, who does an incredible job as jolly old St. Nick — even capturing the attention of the doubtful young girl Susan. But when Kringle claims to be the genuine article, questions about his mental state arise and the spirit of Christmas is put on trial for the world to see.
It’s a well-known story, from the Academy Award-winning 1947 movie to its later remake to its stage adaptation. And take it from Santa himself — adding a little bit more Christmas magic to everyone’s lives isn’t a bad thing these days.
“We live in a very jaded world and a hard world sometimes. When children are looking at what’s happening around the world and on television … we don’t always see kindness and compassion and love,” said Hal Kerbes, who plays Kris Kringle in the show. “That’s what we do. This is an important part of reviving that spark in people.”
Kerbes and Santa Claus are almost inextricable, with Kerbes himself saying “it’s just who I am.” From holiday parties to malls and stores to special events to the stage, Kerbes is busy every holiday season spreading the magic and joy of Santa Claus to the masses.
He lauded the Persephone Theatre company and crew for their work bringing this show to life and welcoming him, the only non-Saskatchewan performer (Kerbes is from Calgary) to the production.
“It’s a crew of artists who are talented, skilled, delightful and good people to work with. I can’t say enough about the group of people working on the show, it’s just marvelous. I look forward to getting back into my Santa garb and just being Santa for the next few weeks,” Kerbes said.
Kerbes said Miracle on 34th Street is a great show for the holiday season because it captures the Christmas spirit in a very intimate way.
“It catches you by surprise. Even if you know the story, to hear it, to be there, to see the children and to see the adults come to believe and to understand is magic. That’s the only word for it,” Kerbes said. “It’s the moment when two actors on stage catch each others’ eye and something changes where Kris Kringle, where Santa, sees in another person’s eyes the child they once were and the adult they became.”
The cast of the show is chock-full of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan talent, including a double-casting of Charlotte Thomson and Vinnie May Jones in the role of young Susan Walker.
Directed by Persephone Theatre artistic director Heather Cant, the show promises to be a heartwarming showcase to celebrate the season.
Miracle on 34th Street will be at Persephone Theatre until Dec. 29, 2024. Tickets can be purchased online at persephonetheatre.org.
