A Musical “Miracle” In Bellrock

Nov 27, 2013

Following the opening performance of the Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre's production of "Miracle on 34th Street" on November 22, Doug MacIntyre's beaming smile said it all. MacIntyre is the play's director and Miracle on 34th Street is his first ever musical. It was very well received by the sold out crowd at the first of its five performances.

The play tells the tale of one Kris Kringle, who manages to re-ignite the flame of faith and love in a bunch of unbelieving, consumer-crazy small-town shop keepers. It is the perfect choice for a holiday production and with the addition of music nothing can better put the excitement of the upcoming holiday season into the hearts of theatre goers. Kudos to MacIntyre for choosing the perfect cast to bring the charming decades-old tale to life and for adding some exceptional songs to its charming script.

Who better to play Kris Kringle than Paddy O'Connor, with his magical mix of spark, humbleness and knack for singing. Connie Shibley as always charmed in the role of Doris Walker, the naysayer - the all-business woman whose cold heart eventually melts by the play's end. Shibley's talents both as an actor and a golden-voiced singer made for a very memorable performance. Astrid Tanton was perfect as Doris' incorrigible daughter Susie and her temper tantrum scene showed she is a newcomer to the stage to be watched. Micheal Andrew, who played Fred Gaily, brought the humorous love element of the play to life and his straight-faced, coy one-liners made for some great guffaws.

Also of note were Beth Freeland's portrayal of the hilarious Ms. Shellhammer; Fred Barrett's impressive and very believable portrayal as the shaky and neurotic Mr. Sawyer; Dick Miller's villainous portrayal of the doubting District Attorney, Thomas Mara; and the also golden-voiced Ralph McInnes as Mr. Macy. Jeanette Pixley played the perfect, no-nonsense tight-lipped judge. Add to that a talented group of youngsters, some very memorable bit part players, and a special appearance by South Frontenac Mayor Gary Davison, and you have a perfect holiday theatre treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The music of pianist Kate van Allen, who plays regularly with the Frontenac Women's Chorus, shone especially bright and tied the entire production into a festive holiday bow.

The play included a cast of 18 and a total of 18 scenes, which might seem to be a logistical nightmare for the behind the scenes crew. However, the simple and cleverly designed sets made for amazingly quick scene changes, which kept the pace of the show flowing. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for what will long be remembered as one of the Bellrock Theatre's finest moments to date. For those who missed the "Miracle" last weekend, the play will be performed three more times: on Fri. and Sat. November 29 & 30 at 7pm, and on Sun. Dec. 1 at 2pm.