Rumson-Fair Haven Regional H.S. Announces Tower Players Production of Miracle on 34th Street

Does Santa Claus really exist? The award-winning RFH Tower Players want you to “Believe”, and will make their case in the most entertaining way in Miracle on 34th Street, the Play.

The comedy/drama, sure to delight audiences of all ages, will take place in the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 14.

The Tower Players’ Miracle on 34th Street, the Play is part nostalgic throwback and part cutting-edge entertainment. Based on the original 1947 script as well as the novel by Valentine Davies, it features spectacular dance numbers as well as a rousing rock-based soundtrack.

The “Miracle” begins when a kind white-haired man is asked by Macy’s bigwig Doris Walker to portray Santa in the famous flagship store on 34th Street in New York City. Trouble starts to brew when the man – who says his name is Kris Kringle – states that he is the actual Santa Claus. His claims are seriously doubted by Doris Walker and her daughter Susan, both of whom don’t believe in the existence of Santa Claus. As Kris’ sanity comes into question, his danger of being committed to a psychiatric institution grows. Doris, concerned for Kris, enlists her friend and neighbor Fred Gailey to defend Kris in court. The highly practical Susan befriends Kris as well and, in doing so, end up with the most precious gift of all – something to believe in.

In the RFH production, featuring 38 cast members in speaking and dancing roles, Doris Walker is portrayed by senior Emily Mangiavillano. Senior EIise Roncace is Susan Walker, Kris Kringle is played by senior Laurence Morales, and senior Andrew Maris is Fred Gailey.

Sophomores Sara Safarian and Rachel Makstein are featured in a ballet performance as toys that come to life.

Advance tickets are available now and can be reserved by visiting the RFH Web Site (rumsonfairhaven.org) or by contacting Play Production Coordinator Stefania Flecca at 732-842-1597 extension 826.

Sales of advance tickets will also take place in the auditorium lobby from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. on November 24, December 1, and December 4. Tickets will be sold an hour before each performance as well, based on availability.

Prices are $10 for general admission and $6 for senior citizens and students with ID.

Miracle on 34th Street, the Play is directed by Suzanne Sweeney with Costumes and Props under the direction of Carole Malik and Choreography by Patty McCarron. Tower Players alumna Kasi Ann Sweeney is Assistant Director and Stefania Flecca is Play Production Coordinator. Sets, sounds, and lighting are provided by Matthew Leddin and his 30-student crew, with set design contributions from the RFH Stagecraft class as well.