MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mansfield Playhouse Director Doug Wertz has lost count of how many plays he has directed.
“Maybe I should go back and look someday,” he said, pausing to think between words. “I’ve directed for over 25 years.”
So Miracle on 34th Street will be number … well, it’s up there.
The show will open Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Mansfield Playhouse and will continue through Saturday. It will be on stage again on Friday, Dec. 11 with a matinee on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2:30 p.m.
The timely play features an old man named Kris Kringle who is convinced he’s the real Santa Claus. Others, like Doris and her daughter Susan, are not so convinced. But they cannot escape the “Christmas miracles” that keep happening after Kringle’s involvement.
Ultimately, the court makes the final decision — will they recognize Kringle as the real Santa Claus, or will they refuse to fuel his make-believe antics?
“It’s such a fun show,” said Wertz.
His 28 cast members, who range from elves to a drunkard Santa Claus who fails to play the part for a retail store, agree.
“There’s a magic to Santa Claus,” said Carl Hunnell, the bearded community member playing Kris Kringle.
Hunnell said this was not the first time he had worn the suit, so to speak.
“I’ve always tried to keep in mind when I’m doing it, especially for little kids, is for that moment with that child, you’re not a guy playing Santa Claus. To that little kid, he still believes you are. I’ve always taken that responsibility very seriously,” said Hunnell.
He said this performance is the first time he grew out a full beard.
“Quite honestly, I can’t wait to shave it off,” he said, laughing.
That wasn’t the only first in the show, however.
Brooke Hill, 10, is playing Susan. This is her first performance — ever. Hill, who attends Madison Middle School, said she is enjoying her role and would like to continue acting.
Her favorite moment, which happens to be the same scene Hunnell enjoys most, is when she walks down the street with her new family, happy to be with the people she loves.
“I like how Susan learns to believe in Santa Claus instead of being so … negative about it, like in the beginning (of the show),” said Hill.
Wertz shares a similar opinion.
“I think believing in a dream has its benefits. And allowing others to do so without squelching their belief. I really think that’s what it (Miracle on 34th Street) comes down to,” said Wertz. “The moral … is just being able to have the freedom to believe.”
Tickets are available through Mansfield Playhouse’s website ranging from $7 to $12. For more information about the show, call 419-522-2883.
