Review: Persephone’s Christmas classic adaptation is simple, heartwarming holiday fun
Photo Credits: Hal Kerbes (left) and Charlotte Thomson (right) feature in Persephone Theatre’s production of ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’ The show has been held over and runs until Dec. 29, 2024. (Supplied / Photo courtesy of Persephone Theatre)
Matt Olson
December 8, 2024
Wholesome, nostalgic and full of Christmas cheer — Persephone Theatre’s production of Miracle on 34th Street is a simple and fun story for the holiday season.
The adaptation follows quite closely to the original 1947 classic: Kris Kringle (Hal Kerbes) takes over as Santa Claus for the massive department store Macy’s, meeting the pragmatic Doris (Danielle Spilchen) and her doubting daughter Susan (played Friday night by Charlotte Thomson). But Kris’ stalwart confidence that he is the one and only Santa Claus challenges the belief of Doris, Susan and the entire state of New York.
It’s a tall order to ask anyone to try to replicate the magic of one of the great Christmas movie classics. While the Persephone cast perhaps did not reach the same levels of magic as the original film, they hit all the right notes to get the audience in the holiday spirit.
Kudos to Kerbes for playing a magnificent (and very believable) Kris Kringle. The heart of the show, Kerbes played the part from his costume to his demeanor to his mannerisms. It was so very easy for the audience to believe alongside Kris Kringle that he was absolutely the genuine Santa.
