Review: 'Miracle on 34th Street' Remains a Treasured Christmas Classic

The Arctic Playhouse's annual production of "Miracle on 34th Street" benefits from the casting of charismatic performers in the key roles.
Terry Simpson once again delivers a magnificent turn as Kris Kringle, who may or may not be Santa Claus.

Kringle is hired as a replacement Santa for Macy's department store in New York City. In the process, he befriends single mother Doris Walker (Michelle Katherine Wylie) and her young daughter Susan (nicely played by Mischa Brickman). Simpson has a twinkle in the eyes as Kringle insists he really is Santa Claus.

Meanwhile, the store's owner, R.H. Macy (Michael Durkay), has a rivalry with another department store owner, Mr. Gimbal. Macy is horrified when Kringle refers children and their parents to rival stores, but later realizes he can use the kindly man to benefit his business.

Brian Lamothe, another veteran cast member, displays exquisite comedic timing as the perpetually perplexed Shellhammer, the Macy's manager. Jeff Massery, who played an elf in the 2023 production, also delivers a convincing performance as the district attorney who prosecutes Kringle.

Another standout in the large cast was W. Grant Willis as the odious Sawyer, who schemes to have Kringle put in a mental hospital. He is a cynical troublemaker and hates the idea of people being generous to one another. Sawyer's bombastic bellowing sounds like a lot of Republican politicians we all know.

Doris' love interest, Fred Gailey (Dan Holmes), a lawyer, ends up representing Kringle in court. Holmes has played the role in previous productions, and exhibits an offbeat charm. Paul Koczwanski ("Lone Star Love Potion") excels in multiple roles, including a drunken Santa and the bailiff.

Director Rose Racine, set designers John Braica and Bob Gerold, and costumer Nancy Spirito all deserve praise for delivering a polished and colorful show.

"Miracle on 34th Street" was a 1947 movie which starred Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood, and Maureen O'Hara and was later re-made in 1994. The story has lost none of its charm. We all need to believe in someone, and Susan's faith in Santa is unwavering.

This is a long show (2 and a half hours) due to the sheer number of set changes, but the boundless joy of the actors and the warmth and humanity on display make it a true holiday treasure and a great way to end the year.

"Miracle on 34th Street" runs through December 22. Run time is 2 hours 35 minutes with intermission. The Arctic Playhouse. 1249 Main Street, West Warwick, RI. For tickets, call 401-573-3443 or visit thearcticplayhouse.com.