Published: November 20, 2009 08:55 am      

'Miracle on 34th Street'

A stage adaptation of the holiday classic "Miracle on 34th Street" will usher in the holiday season Sunday, Nov. 29, with performances at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Rosebud Theatre, Effingham. Produced by Three Chicks and a Stage, the production features a cast of 48 local actors, 10 stage and tech crew members and sets that will make it look like Manhattan in Effingham.

Ticket prices for "Miracle on 34th Street" are $20 for adults and $12 for children age 12 and under. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available at the theater box office located at 1325 Outer Belt West or by phone at 217-540-ARTS (2787). For additional information, check online at www.therosebudtheatre.com.

One of the most touching Christmas stories ever, "Miracle on 34th Street" is the story of Doris, an employee of Macy’s New York City 34th Street store, who hires Kris Kringle to play the store Santa. When Doris' neighbor Fred brings her much too serious daughter Susan to the store to see Santa, Doris gets upset. After all, her daughter doesn't need to believe in such fantasy. When Doris calls Kris to prove he is just playing a role, he staunchly states he really is Santa. His good will becomes infectious and benevolence spreads through the city. However, there are those who conspire to prove he is not Santa. The fiasco puts Santa in the courtroom defending "reality." How he and Fred prove Kris is the real Santa to the court, to Susan and to her mother makes this the a heartwarming play.

Cast members for the show are Steve Weinstock, Dr. Mike Sehy, Dan Kruger, Jeni Phillips, Sherrie Ousley, Mariah Ludtke, Linda Poe, Dr. James Graham, Andi Hortenstine, Tommy Hortenstine, Val Soltwedel, Ashley Roedl, Glenda Bunton, Olivia Eckhart, Hyleri Bowlin, Kaylee Phillips, Krista Phillips, Glen Phillips, Veronika Mumma, Heather Mumma, Lance Arnold, Jodi Harris, Ella Harmon, Liz Braunecker, Riley Seachrist, Cherilyn Walters, Saige Walters, Carly Spraul, Olivia Spraul, Allison Spraul, Annie Frost, Jodi Frost, Greg Sapp, Jonathon Hall, Rachelle Cekander, Doug Poe, Glen Phillips, Dean Manuel, Devon McManaway, Jonathon Hall, Henry Siemer, Danny Hortenstine, Brady Thomas, Dan Kruger, Charley Hankins, Charley Hankins, Rick Endebrock, Gratton Toliver, Tina Seiler, Donna Fancher, Larry Berg, Dennis Straub, Shayna Phillips, Jodi Harris, Rick Siemer, Jo Thomas and Jack Spraul.

Stage manager is Rachelle Cekander. Stage crew members for the production are Jonathon Hall, Val Soltwedel and Brandon Westfall.

Directors are Jeanne Wolff, Monique Hortenstine and Carol Hourigan.

Three Chicks and a Stage is a not-for-profit community theater group, which began three years ago with a production of "A Christmas Carol" at the Rosebud Theatre. They have since produced "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and "Then and Now, a Memorial Day Tribute to Our Veterans." The "three chicks" are Jeanne Wolff of Altamont and Monique Hortenstine and Carol Hourigan, both of Effingham.