by Mike Hoban
‘Miracle on 34th Street’- Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. Directed by Ilyse Robbins; Scenic Design by Jon Savage; Lighting Design by Andrew Andrews; Sound Design by David Wilson. Presented by Greater Boston Stage Company, 395 Main Street, Stoneham through December 22
The holiday season is upon us, and theatergoers looking for a worthwhile Christmas-themed production (other than whatever version of A Christmas Carol is playing at your local theater) should take a trip to Stoneham to check out Miracle on 34th Street at Greater Boston Stage. Director Ilyse Robbins has crafted a buoyant version of the 1947 film of the same name, employing a light comedic touch rather than an overly sentimental tone. The comic flavor is enhanced by a brilliantly colored set by Jon Savage that looks like the backdrop of a 1960’s cartoon, and the hilariously over-the-top performances by the play’s secondary characters produce unexpected laughs throughout.
