By CONNIE FISHER

To close its 2013 season, the Davidson Community Players in conjunction with Lux Radio Theatre have converted the compact Armour Street Theatre into the imaginary radio studio to produce, “Miracle on 34th Street”  during the holidays.

Davidson Community Players Executive Director Matt Merrell not only has cleverly adapted the Christmas classic into radio broadcast format, he also directs the show. The altered format means that instead of memorizing lines, the actors perform with scripts in hand. This technique requires an actor to portray a character encumbered by the need to read while interpreting a personality simultaneously. It’s a challenge. Although most of the cast is new to the Armour Street boards, they pull it off gracefully, maintaining the standards of excellence DCP is known to deliver.

“Miracle on 34th Street” is a familiar story. The film version was first released in 1947 starring Edmund Gwynn, Maureen O’Hara and John Payne. That’s where DCP picks up, introducing the same characters as portrayed in the movie. Jim Esposito shines in Gwynn’s starring role as Kris Kringle. Aside from his resemblance to Santa Claus, Esposito’s “ho, ho, ho’s” are delivered with perfect élan and his monkey scene is hysterical.

DCP maintains an amazing degree of authenticity tothe story’s original time. The audience may as well find themselves seated in an art-deco broadcast studio of the ‘40s, simply furnished, with wooden chairs, sturdy floor microphones, a manual typewriter and a back-stage foley artist ready to produce sound effects by hand on cue aptly played by David Haynes. Lory Butters’ costumes reflect the post-war era, from head to toe including make-up, hats and hairdos.

Authenticity doesn’t skip a beat. While carefully selected tunes segue the continuity and change of scenes, they also start the audience a toe-tapping. Glen Miller’s “In the Mood” literarily sets the pace—followed by a variety of upbeat Big Band standards, popular singles and beloved holiday classics. Kudos goes to Matt Merrell and Tim Beany for their brilliant sound design.

Even back in the ‘40s radio broadcast companies found themselves in need of commercial support and so does the Lux Radio Theatre. Local commercials are skillfully integrated into the script of the Davidson Community Players adaptation of “Miracle on 34th Street, sometimes sung in the style of the era.
The Anderson Sisters are the show stopper. DCPs Education Coordinator Katie Williams choreographed the swaying Anderson trio—Meredith Swanson, Sarah Palasick and Catherine Costigan, who sing and swing as the renown, vivacious Andrews Sisters, LaVerne, Maxene and Patty. Each of the Anderson Sisters’ numbers is acknowledged with enthusiastic applause, including, of course, the Andrews Sisters’ standard, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” made so popular during World War II.

Katie Williams also choreographed and directed a holiday animal skit for Connie on the Fly, a traveling troupe of young actors for Christmas in Davidson. The troupe gave two performances each night at The Rumor Mill on Depot Street. Connie on the Fly also performed at the community-wide Christmas production at Davidson College earlier in the week.

While “Miracle on 34th Street” is a nostalgic, toe-tapping, uplifting experience for senior patrons familiar with the story, it also delivers an awesome venture into classic theatre for the youth. In any case, the audience leaves the Armour Street Theatre ready to celebrate Christmas.

Shows continue this weekend and next, Thursday through Sunday, until Dec. 22. Since most shows are already sold out, additional performances have been scheduled. For more information and tickets call the box office at 704-892-7953 or online at www.DavidsonCommunityPlayers.org.

 AUDITIONS FOR ‘FLYIN’ WEST

Davidson Community Players announces open auditions for its February/March production of “Flyin’ West” by Pearl Cleage. This is a powerful story about the bond of three sisters and their elderly neighbor who face trials and tribulations in the mid-West as homesteaders. This play takes place in the 1890s in Nicodemus, Kansas and is a glimpse into American history and a reminder of the diversity of Western pioneers. The production will run Feb. 20-March 9.

Auditions for all actors and actresses will be held on Tuesday, January 7^th and Wednesday, January 8^th at 7:00pm at the Armour Street Theatre located at 307 Armour Street in Davidson. The audition will consist of cold readings from the script. Participants should bring a resume or list of theatre experience, a recent photo, and a list of conflicts. Rehearsals will begin in mid-January. No prior acting experience is required and novice actors are encouraged to audition.

Perusal copies of the script are available in the DCP office. For additional information regarding auditions, please contact Matt Merrell, Executive Director at 704 892-7953 or email matt@davidsoncommunityplayers.org.