For the second consecutive year, California University’s Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes the holiday season with Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical.
Performances are set for 8 p.m. Dec. 4-6 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, with matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7.
All performances are open to the public.
Cal U’s performance incorporates University students and community talent. Based on the 20th Century-Fox Pictures production, its book, music and lyrics are all by Meredith Willson.
Filled with humor, spectacle and such beloved songs as “Pinecones and Hollyberries” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” this heartwarming musical is pure family entertainment.
The story takes place between the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas. It centers on a white-bearded gentleman who claims to be the real Santa Claus — and who brings about a genuine “miracle” on 34th Street, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City.
Dr. Michele Pagen, a professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, is directing the show.
Kathy Sacco is providing musical direction, and choreography is by Maria Gismondi.
Among the Cal U students handling behind-the-scenes roles are Emily Lorence, assistant director; Alex Hagerty, company manager; Summer Gobel, dance captain; Dominic Carrola, accompanist; Kellee Cohlhepp, production stage manager; and assistant stage managers Nikki Davis, Molly Malady, Grant Prodan, Stephen Reddy and Katie Rendos.
Ticket price is $12 for patrons of all ages. Students with valid CalCards are admitted for 50 cents; a $5 deposit will be returned when the student attends a performance.
For more information, or to order tickets (with a credit card) by phone, call the Steele Hall Box Office at 724-938-5943.