Musicals and Miracles From 34th Street to the Jersey Shore

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By Mary Ann Bourbeau
MANASQUAN – If the songs in “Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical” sound familiar, there’s an easy explanation. They were written by playwright and composer Meredith Willson, best known for writing “The Music Man” in 1962. Many of the tunes from the two shows have an obvious similarity.
Originally called “Here’s Love,” Willson wrote the book, music and lyrics, and it played on Broadway for nine months beginning in October 1963. It is based on the classic holiday movie “Miracle on 34th Street,” which tells the story of a department store Santa who claims to be the real Santa Claus.
“Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical” will be presented at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan from Nov. 28 through Dec. 6. It includes many show-stopping numbers, including “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” which Willson wrote back in 1951.
“The songs sound very similar to those in The Music Man,” said Jessica O’Brien, who is directing the show. “When we were rehearsing the big Thanksgiving Day parade scene, one of the young girls in the show said to me, ‘Miss Jessica, this song sounds like 76 Trombones.’ “
O’Brien has worked not only as a director but as a choreographer. She has twice been awarded the Perry Award for outstanding choreography by the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters. That experience came in handy for this show, which has some big dance numbers.
“There is 5 1/2 minutes of dancing in the parade scene,” she said.
O’Brien didn’t know anything about the show when she was asked to direct it, and she found that intriguing.
“That’s the reason I wanted to do it,” she said. “It’s hardly ever produced, so you get to put your own take on it.”
“Miracle on 34th Street” has a cast of about 40 – half adults and half kids.
“The show is bigger than I anticipated,” she said. “I find it challenging and a wonderful learning experience for myself – directing people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”
The musical follows the theme of the movie, but digs a little deeper into the characters’ backgrounds. Fred and Doris have different views on relationships – his formed by experiences in the Marines and hers tainted by a husband who left before she gave birth to their daughter.
“The two characters were almost set up to reject love,” O’Brien said. “Kris Kringle tried to soften the walls around their hearts and show them that love is magical.”
Die-hard fans of the movie need not worry about too many changes.
“For the most part, the story stays true to the storyline in the film,” O’Brien said. “It’s the film, enhanced by music. It’s a lot of fun. I think it will be a new holiday treat.”
The Algonquin Arts Theatre opened its doors in 1938 as a movie theater. Like many theaters of its day, it fell into disrepair in the 1970s. It was purchased and renovated in 1992, transforming the venue into a 540-seat performing arts venue. It recently underwent additional upgrades to the lighting system, and the original seats from the 1930s were replaced.
Algonquin Arts operates as a nonprofit, hosting nearly 100 music, theater, film and dance programs each year.
“It’s a nice, little cultural center in Manasquan that gives people affordable access to the arts,” said Marketing Director David Applegate.
Algonquin’s Performing Arts Academy and Youth Ensemble offer acting and musical theater classes for all ages, and many who attend those classes take part in the theater’s productions.
“It’s an extremely great opportunity for local performers,” Applegate said. “There is an enormous amount of talent living in Monmouth and Ocean counties, and we provide a venue for them to perform.”
Tickets for “Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical” are $20 – $36. For more information, visit www.algonquinarts.org.
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.
Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnBourbeau.