Reviewer: Beth Detloff
There are a few things that are guaranteed in life; taxes, that other thing, and that Pit and Balcony’s holiday show will pull you out of the seasonal funk. Maybe you have shopped too much, or had one too many cookies. Maybe you have yet to put up your tree or hang one stocking. Pit and Balcony has the fix for what ails you, and that is getting a ticket with a friend for their seasonal show of A Miracle On 34th Street.
The show opened this Friday with a packed house and a receptive audience. The actors on stage do not really get a sense of the audience until opening night. They were delighted to have such an immersive and engaging audience. If you attend one of the showings then feel free to “oh” and “aw”, or maybe even a boo at the bad guys. At our local community theatre you are never alone when you laugh out loud.
Miracle On 34th Street is a well known story. You may purchase a ticket thinking you already know what is going to happen from watching the movie, either the 1947 classic or the 1994 remake. Before the curtain closes for intermission you will feel like you are watching a completely new retelling. The stage production has many variations from the movies, and it is just enough to keep the audience wondering who will pop up on stage next and what comical thing they might say.
Having been to Pit and Balcony productions over the years it is wonderful that the cast on stage is a mix of familiar and new faces. Utilizing their cast in ensemble ways makes for an imaginative experience for both the actors and the audience. Director Brady Katshor did a great job in guiding the cast during rehearsals, helping them to pivot from one character to the next. Karen Fenech was delighted to be back on stage with Pit and Balcony. Playing two characters was a fun challenge for her, not relying only on costume changes, she had to use her voice and body language in completely different ways. Ken Herr can play the bad guy in one act and in the next he has you laughing at his more goofy characters. My guess is a slightly Scottish accent, but you will have to decide for yourself when the zookeeper takes the stand.
Bill Alley’s first on stage performance as Fred Gayley was a success. Tim Maughtew was the perfect pick for playing a slightly sassy Kris Kringle. Brynlee Quellet as Susan had us reliving that moment in childhood between growing up and getting to stay in the belief of magic just a little bit longer. For a few hours you are invited to be a little silly and believe that no one would truly lock up Santa Clause, would they?
The entire cast conveyed an intoxicating excitement throughout the show. I hope you walk out of Pit and Balcony carrying that excitement into the real world. As Kris Kringle states it truly is about peace, goodwill, and helping others. Pit and Balcony would welcome your time helping at a future show in front and back of the house. Getting involved with a local organization, especially one as fun as the theatre, is a way to shake off the holiday funk long beyond November and December.
The Saginaw community has a jammed packed holiday event season with many options to get you in the mood for Christmas magic. Miraculously you still have five more chances to attend! The Pit and Balcony show runs this weekend and next and it truly is a wonderful way to spend time with your community this holiday season.
Featured at Saginaw Art Museum