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As we celebrate Christmas, most of us take the time to reflect on family traditions. Growing up, my husband and his family would always take in a Christmas play. We have come to follow that same tradition here in London with our three children. It is a tradition that we really enjoy and in past years we have seen: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Anne of Green Gables, The Wizard of Oz and one of my favourites, Beauty and the Beast.
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This year’s production is Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical. The storyline follows a little girl that does not believe in Santa Claus. Her mom works at the iconic Macy’s Department store who hires Kris Kringle (the real Santa Claus) to lead the parade & work as the store Santa. Brian MacKay plays a very convincing Kris Kringle/Santa Claus with a full beard and grey hair. I thought his performance was wonderful. The beautiful and very strong lead, Blythe Wilson, plays a very convincing working mom bring up a precocious kid!
Through a series of comical events our little heroine, Susan (played by local grade 2 student, Hillary Harkes), decides that the only way for Kris Kringle to prove to her that he is the real deal is that he must grant her a monumental Christmas wish – a real house with a swing in the front, a baby brother and a new dad to go with it.
From the Cast photos: Matthew Cassidy as Fred the at: The Grand Theatre Facebook Page
The kids enjoyed the show, although they felt it was not as ‘fun’ as other productions that they had seen. There were less costumes (picture Beauty & The Beast or The Wizard of Oz) and a smaller cast. But they were wowed by the cityscape set design, the parade floats and the Toyland shelf (see picture below). I think one of the differences is that they are now more familiar with the show tunes that you find in other musical as well as being exposed to the other storylines.
Just clowning around for The Grand L-R: Lynn Davies, Susan Ferley and Deb Harvey
One of the fun parts of the evening was when Susan Ferley, Artistic Director of The Grand Theatre told the audience that as part of a fundraising event, there would be two walk-on parts at every performance as part of the parade scene. This added a nice touch to the play. Our performance had Lynn Davis & Deb Harvey. You could tell they were having a lot of fun and its all for a great cause.
I have worked with Deb Harvey, Executive Director, in years gone by to fundraise for The Grand Theatre and I am happy to continue to support them.
Continuing a family tradition of going to the theatre during the Christmas season
Performance Details
Miracle on 34th Street runs through Dec. 30, 2012
Ticket are still available for the remaining performances. There are matinees on Thursday, Friday at 1 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm as well all the usual evening performances.
You can either call the Grand Theatre box office at (519) 672-8800.
I would strongly suggest that you check out the website and see what seating is available for each performance. Here is a direct link to the website.
Picture of one of my favourite props the “Toyland” shelf that was round and full of toys – Photo credit: The Grand Theatre Facebook Page
I also have a picture of the up coming plays. Remember to have a family outing, a date night or an evening out with your girlfriends at the theatre. The Grand is also on Facebook and you can follow them on Twitter to get connected today!
Start your own traditions and go to the theatre with your family. Enjoy a trip back in time to and dream a big dream with Susan, Santa, Doris & Fred. I encourage you to go…you won’t regret it!
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I didn’t get to this one, but wish I had. My girls love to see plays with me. Can’t wait to see the next play there.
Liz: There are many ways of creating family traditions, just keep it consistent. That is the fun of it. Good luck & make sure to take in a play if you can.
I’ve never seen that play but It’s definately something one day i’d like to enjoy doing with my boy when he gets older. As a single mom I’d love to teach him that we are family and families should follow traditions close so that they are close 🙂