Miracle at Sudbury Theatre Centre

Given its success in New Brunswick, Marshall decided to revive the production here in favour of “Dorothy's Return to Oz,” which was originally supposed to run at STC in November and December.

He said he wanted to change STC's approach to the Christmas slot, when the theatre has traditionally presented plays specifically tailored for young audiences and student matinees.

“Miracle on 34th Street” — featuring an expanded schedule of public performances during its Nov. 21 to Dec. 15 run — appeals to children and adults alike, Marshall said.

Kids like it because it features several young characters, and adults enjoy the nostalgia that comes with the adaptation of the classic film, Marshall said.

“It's one of the few times of the year where the whole family gets together and goes to the theatre together,” he said.

“People are really looking for that sense of childhood awe and wonder, and being reminded of what it was like when they were a kid.”

“Miracle on 34th Street” takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City, and focuses on the impact of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa.

Although not a box office success upon its release, the film became a classic through its constant airing on television during the technology's post-war advent, Marshall said.

The stage adaptation still has all of the movie's classic moments, he said, and is also set in the 1940s.

“I wasn't interested in setting it in the modern day,” Marshall said. “I think 1940s has a classic nostalgic appeal. The themes still hold true. It didn't need to be transferred to the modern day.”

But unlike the movie, the play features only 10 actors, meaning many of the cast play several parts, adding to the production's humour, he said.

Almost the entire creative team and cast from the New Brunswick production are returning for STC's version of the play.

That includes Canadian theatre veteran Walter Learning as Kris Kringle. “He has the humour and the charm, but also the gravitas and the wisdom,” Marshall said. “It's a tricky thing to find somebody to play Kris Kringle.”

Ten-year-old New Brunswick native Sophie Mais — who Marshall describes as smart and adorable — also revives her role as Susan Walker.

New to the production is 10-year-old Samuel Leach Jarrett of Sudbury, a veteran of STC's Saturday Youth Drama classes and Students on Stage program, who plays both Mortimer and Tommy.

“Miracle on 34th Street” runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 15, Thursdays through Sundays. Curtain time is 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

There is a special Family Pack of four tickets at $74.20. Pay What You Can is Nov. 23.

Rush tickets go on sale two hours before each performance. Regular pricing is $21.10 under 30, $31.85 for seniors and $37.10 for adults.

Phone the STC box office at 705-674-8381 or book online at www.sudburytheatre.ca.