Miracle on 34th Street is a musical adaptation of the film of the same name, initially released in 1947. However for many in the audience, the 1994 remake with Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson is probably the better known version.
The story takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day in New York City, and focuses on the impact of a department store Father Christmas, who claims to be the real Santa. The film has become a perennial Christmas favourite and won three Academy Awards. The musical theatre version of the show was first staged in 1963 and stays largely true to the film, within the constraints of a theatrical environment.
It should first be pointed out that, as mentioned earlier, this story is somewhat of a Christmas staple. It's a festive gift to be taken and has all the hallmarks of a classic - which makes it all the more frustrating that the musical just doesn't have the magic that the film does.Tthis isn't the fault of the cast and crew at BMOS; they can only work with the production they're given.
However, in a very similar way to shows like White Christmas, there's something about the mechanics of the film equivalents which allow suitable time for character development and a more beefy plot. The stage version seems to move the story along with very simplistic justifications for advancements in the story and that can, at times, be frustrating.
Putting that to one side, Birmingham and Midland Operatic Society, all things considered, have once again pulled it out of the bag and put on a fantastic show with a dedicated and talented cast and crew. Stewart Keiller is about as close the the Richard Attenborough portrayal of Kris Kringle as anyone (other than Hopkins himself) ever could be - but stops short of copying the character, giving his own slant on the role. He's loveable and the personification of the kind, jolly Santa we all know and love.
Jo Smith was made to play the part of Doris Walker - a role that she acts and sings beautifully, working alongside the girl who, for me, was the star of the show this evening.
Willow Heath is seven years old and plays the, initially, precocious Susan Walker with sass, style and substance. With a style far beyond her years, she was word and note perfect and an absolute joy to watch on stage from start to finish.
All in all, Miracle on 34th Street is a well rehearsed, well constructed production. Absolutely, I've got my doubts about the show itself being a good adaptation for the stage, but purely considering the spectacle on stage this evening I was witness to an incredibly talented and hard working cast give a Christmas Classic a reboot with absolute conviction. Something that paid off in droves.
Miracle On 34th Street is at the New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 18th November. For more information and tickets, visit the theatre website.
