Information

Show Credits: Book by Meredith Willson
Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson

Description: Kris Kringle takes on the cynics among us in this musical adaptation of the popular holiday favorite. In his inimitable style, Meredith Willson (THE MUSIC MAN, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN), tells us the classic story of the year. A white-bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa Claus brings about a genuine MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, fostering camaraderie between Macy’s and Gimbel’s Department Stores, and convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.

Filled with humor, spectacle (the opening scene takes place at none other than Macy’s famous Thanksgiving Parade) and such beloved songs as “Pinecones and Hollyberries,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” and “My State, My Kansas,” this joyous, heart-warming musical is pure family entertainment, wholesome without being cloying. With its built-in audience base, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET THE MUSICAL is the perfect holiday treat for any theatre!

Accolades/
Awards: Soon after the premiere of Here's Love, Willson was appointed to the Presidential Council on Arts and Humanities.

Insight from the experts Staging Tip: Can be down-sized, but here's the optimum: a New York street, the Macy's Parade, Doris' apartment, Macy's in and around toy department, outside Macy's, Fred's apartment, Mr. Sawyer's apartment, Judge Groups' chambers, Bellevue, a corridor, a courtroom. A parade-float "sleigh" for Santa; simulated parade balloons (really just ropes ascending to the ceiling or flies); many small plastic toy alligators. You don't have to make your department store a Macy's, although that was the case in both the original film and the Broadway show. People adore the movie; it's had two remakes (in 1974 and 1994). Keep reminding people of this underrated musical's source (and that it was written by the man who gave us The Music Man). Times have changed since 1963. Consider making some of the other junior executives women.