Penobscot Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the first production in the Bangor Opera House since March 2020, “Miracle on 34th St: A Live Musical Radio Play.” Original lyrics, music and arrangements are by Jon Lorenz and adapted from the original 1947 Lux Radio Hour Broadcast. The Opera House is located at 131 Main St., in Bangor.

This beloved holiday classic about a department store Santa claiming he’s the real Kris Kringle. His case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court where it takes a real life miracle to save him. Paired with live Foley effects, localized jingles, and an original musical score, it’s a star-studded musical adaptation and Maine premiere running from Nov. 18 through Dec. 26.

“Miracle on 34th Street” harkens back to the theater’s 2015 production of “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Radio Play” by Joe Landry. Audiences can watch a handful of actors take on multiple characters, see and hear the Foley Artist create the sounds of footsteps in snow or crowds roaring, and listen to the amazing WPTC band led by Music Director, Larrance Fingerhut, as they weave music throughout the evening.

“It’s A Wonderful Life, A Radio Play” was my PTC acting debut. I am delighted to now make my PTC directorial debut and bring WPTC back to life with this version of Miracle on 34th St!” said director Jen Shepard, according to a news release from the theater company. “This story is one of innocence, hope, belief, and, of course, miracles. It is my hope that audiences are filled with joy and holiday magic that only the gift of live theatre can give.”

Directed by Jen Shepard and choreographed by Dominick Varney, the multitalented cast of nine features many familiar faces from near and far. Ira Kramer and Jazmin Gorsline, last seen on stage together as Gaston and Belle on PTC’s 2017 Holiday production of “Beauty & The Beast” return as love interests Fred Gailey and Doris Walker. Reggie Whitehead, last seen in “The Full Monty” in 2017, rejoins the theater company as the Announcer. The famous Kris Kringle is played by none other than PTC’s Creative Curriculum Director for Education, Ben Layman.

The role of the child who has big dreams and a practical mind, Susan Walker, will be played by Bucksport, Maine native Brenna T. Converse, making her Penobscot Theatre Company debut. Also making her PTC acting debut is Sophia Steadman as the Cadet/Foley Artist. Rounding out the cast as character actors are community favorites, Grace Livingston Kramer and Heather Libby.

Audiences will be transported to the Bangor Opera House circa 1947 by Sean McClelland’s scenic design, Kevin Koski’s costume design, Meredith R Perry’s properties and foley design, Neil E. Graham’s sound design, and Scout Hough’s lighting design.
Tickets cost $25 for adult non-subscribers or $15 for students.
For tickets, or more information, visit penobscottheatre.org or call 207-942-3333.