For many, the 1947 movie "Miracle on 34th Street" is a beloved kick-off to the Holiday season. Now you have a chance to see this Christmas classic live on stage in Casper through December 17th.

Many know the story of the charming old man named Kris Kringle who is hired to play Santa in Macy's Department Store. His kindly ways and insistence on doing what's right for kids and parents, rather than for boosting store sales, soon earn Macy's lots of positive attention. Along the way, he faces the challenge of opening the imagination of a disbelieving young girl and her realist mother. But Kris seems to believe he really is Santa Claus, and he runs afoul of the store's psychologist who wants him declared insane.

The play's director, Clif McCrady, says the show really does have something for everyone. "If you like romance, we've got romance. If you like courtroom drama, we've got courtroom drama. If you like Shakespeare, we've got a play within a play, because the Elves do 'Elf Theatre'," he says. The elf actors perform a version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" re-written to "The Twelve Gifts of Wyoming", which McCrady describes as a "hoot and a half."

The large cast includes a goodly number of kids, many of whom play the elves who work at Santa's display, as well as Stage III veterans and newcomers alike.  McCrady says it's a perfect family show, and on Saturday the 16th, Santa will be available for photos in the lobby of the theatre.

Stage III will also be collecting food, toys, coats and hats for those in the community who need a little help over the holiday season.

Miracle on 34th Street at Stage III Community Theatre

  • Performances continue December 7th-9th and 15th-16th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday December 17th at 2:00 p.m.
  • Tickets are $12 for adults, $10.00 for students and seniors.
  • Tickets available at the Cadillac Cowgirl, online at stageiiitheatre.org, and at the door starting one hour before each show.
  • Stage III Theatre and Box Office are located at 900 N. Center in Casper

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