Starlighters’ musical brings families together

We all remember  a version of “Miracle on 34th Street,” whether it’s the 1947 movie starring Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood, or the 1994 movie with Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson. But, did you know there is a musical version of the story featuring music written by Meredith Wilson?

Starlighters II Theatre in Anamosa will present the holiday musical on Dec. 2-4 and again Dec. 9-11. The production is certainly a family affair, not just for audience members, but those cast in the show and working behind the scenes.

 

“Miracle on 34th Street” is directed by first-time solo director Katharine Bergman. Her musical director is her mother, Janet Bergman.

Two of the lead characters are also acting alongside members of their family.

Aimee Jones plays Doris Walker. Aimee’s mother, Diana Jones, portrays the judge as well as Miss Crookshank.

Steven Clemmons takes on the role of Fred Gaily. His son, Brodie, portrays Harry Finfer in the show. This is the first stage performance for both father and son.

Katharine Bergman has history with Starlighters. She’s been acting in plays there for five years or so. She assisted in directing the musical “A Year with Frog and Toad” earlier this year in July. “Miracle” is her first solo-directing gig.

 

Bergman attended Luther College with a major in musical education and a minor in theater. She said as a performer, she hopes she can help inspire and teach her cast at the same time.

“When a scene is not working,” she said, “I can help walk them through it myself and provide notes.”

Bergman said when Starlightrers started researching options for their annual Christmas production, she wanted to make sure they brought back the classic holiday musical.

“It’s been a few years since they’ve done a musical,” she said of the final year-end production. “This was a good fit with the audience.”

Bergman said with the music in the show written by Meredith Wilson, people should recognize the name from the famed “Music Man,” which was filmed in Mason City, Iowa. Wilson also wrote the popular holiday carol “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

Rehearsals started in the beginning of October. Bergman said it was a struggle to find the right lead actors. They were able to fill the children’s roles during the first round of auditions.

“I have such a great group of kids,” praised Bergman.

She also found her Kris Kringle right off the bat: Eric Henderson.

“But I couldn’t find my male and female leads,” she said. Bergman said she also had a shortage of men try out, which didn’t help either.

But, when Steve Clemmons showed up with son Brodie to tryout, Bergman had Steven read to fill in for an actor who was absent. From there, Bergman said she inquired as to whether Steve would be interested.

“He e-mailed me and said he didn’t have a lot of experience, but he was willing to try it,” she said. “He’s a natural fit for this role, and has really grown into the part.”

Steve also has a musical side as a member of the local band The Busted Grumpies.

Bergman said of her leads, the young actress playing Susan Walker, Emily Meyer, actually has the most stage experience.

“Everyone has been fast learners,” she said. “They all have willing attitudes, which is good in my book.”

This show is set in the 1940s, referencing points in history during that time.

 

“We wanted it to be a period piece,” said Bergman.

 

She said there are some classic parts of the production that remind people of the movies, such as the part when Susan tugs on Kris Kringle’s beard to see if it’s real. They also had to take some liberties with the set.

There will also be some new songs and new characters that people won’t recall from the movies.

“We’re trying to emphasize that this is a really fun Christmas production,” said Bergman. “There’s a lot about faith and belief in certain things.”

Bergman said during the holidays, there is a lot of talk of commercialism. A production like this “is what Christmas is all about,” she urged.

“It makes you feel good at Christmas time,” she said.

For tickets, visit http://starlighters.org or call 319-462-4793.

The cast of Starlighters II Theatre holiday production of “Miracle on 34th Street” is working hard for opening night, Friday, Dec. 2. The play takes place in the 1940s, with musical numbers to highlight the holiday season. (Photo by Kim Brooks)