Miracle on 34th Street

CHAIN THEATRE PRESENTS: 

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, RADIO PLAY

Adaptation and Direction by Greg Cicchino

STREAMING DECEMBER 18TH – DECEMBER 21st

Benefit Performance features Special Appearances by

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson 

and 

New York State Senator José Serrano

While live theater may be closed, The Chain Theatre has found a way to bring the Holiday Spirit into everyone’s homes by producing Miracle on 34th Street, Radio Play!  Adapted and directed by Greg Cicchino, Miracle on 34th Street, streams December 18, 19, 20 and 21. Ticket holders may stream at any time within those days.  Benefit Tickets are $11 and may be purchased online at chaintheatre.org.

A single mother raising her daughter in New York City soon has her world turned upside down by a curious man who claims he is Santa Claus. A story of faith, believing in others, and the magic of the season! This program in the style of an old radio play is sure to warm the hearts of all with a colorful cast of characters.

With A Miracle on 34th Street, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and State Senator José Serrano will be making their Chain Theatre debuts!  Johnson, who represents more theatres in New York City than any other City Council member, also represents The Chain. 

Prior to beginning his career in politics, New York State Senator José Serrano, held an administrative job at the Public Theater. Serrano now Chairs the Senate Majority Conference and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation.

A Miracle on 34th Street stars, C.K. Allen (Allstate Dad ‘All Alone’) as Kris Kringle, Nyah Jude (Six Corners) as Susan Walker, Christina Elise Perry* (Chasing the River) as Doris Walker, Kirk Gostkowski (Artistic Director) as Fred Gailey, Laura Clare Browne (Animal Farm) as Mrs. Mara and Miles Dennis as her son, Mortimer. Playing various characters and showcasing their vocal chops is Nick Fondulis* (Billions, Blindspot), Doug Shapiro* (Disney’s: Finding Nemo Live Musical), and Michael S. Horowitz* (I Never Sang for My Father). Special music and vocals by Emily Mattheson* (Mrs. Potts; Beauty and the Beast National Tour). Sound and Effects provided by David Rey (Cannes Film Festival Recipient). *We wish to express our gratitude to the Performers Unions: Actors’ Equity Association, American Guild of Musical Artists, American Guild of Variety Artists, SAG-AFTRA through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program.* 

Miracle on 34th Street continues the Chain’s tradition of presenting Holiday Theater for the whole family.  Now in their 9th month of forced closure due to the pandemic, they are mounting their first virtual Benefit Production to not only uphold this tradition, but to raise funds to help cover their overhead expenses.  “Like so many other small, nonprofit theaters, we are struggling to be able to pay our rent, which was covered by ticket and rental revenue prior to the pandemic,” explains Artistic Director Kirk Gostkowski.    

Chasing the River

Written by Jean Dobie Giebel

Directed by Ella Jane New

Recently released from prison, a young woman returns to her childhood home—the scene of the crime that put her away when she was just a teenager. Still entwined in the memories of her tumultuous youth, she struggles to break free and focus on her future. Chasing the River is about survival, second chances and learning to bet on yourself.

CHAIN THEATRE is pleased to announce the world premiere production of Jean Dobie Giebel’s CHASING THE RIVER, directed by Ella Jane New. CHASING THE RIVER, which was a finalist for the ATHE Excellence in Playwriting Award and has been optioned for TV, will play a limited Off-Broadway engagement at Chain Theatre (312 W. 36th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10018). Performances begin Friday, February 7 and continue through Saturday, February 22. Opening Night is Monday, February 10 (7 p.m.).   

The production stars Carolyn Orlando as Beth, Robyne Parrish* (OBR: The Giant Hoax) as Margaret, Christina Elise Perry* (Keith Huff’s Six Corners) as Kat, David Rey (Wait Until Dark) as Sam, Sara Thigpen* (NYIT Award Recipient - Outstanding Actress in a Featured Role) as Aunt Addie, David Wenzel (Film: Meet Joe Black OBR/Nat’l Tour: Hamlet) as Nathaniel.  *Actor’s performing courtesy of Actors’ Equity.  AEA approved showcase.

The production features scenic design by Raye Levine Spielberg and lighting design by Michael Abrams. Greg Russ is the sound designer and Nick Fondulis is the fight choreographer. Ericka Conklin is the stage manager. Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.

Running Time: 90 minutes

Photos by Matt Wells

REVIEWS:

"Intense, gripping, and momentous...An outstanding example of theater that can make a difference."

-Deb Miller, DC Metro Theater Arts

"A moving and engaging night of theater that is intelligently handled by all cast and crew; Chasing the River is what good, solid theater is all about."

- Tania Fisher, Theater Pizzazz

"The drama is raw and unflinching with a dash of humor"

- Audrey Weinbrecht, Theater That Matters

"With a production of strong and talented actors that seamlessly take on an intense subject matter, Chasing The River will surely impress."
-Carissa Chesanek, BroadwayWorld

"At Chasing the River, the eyes of the audience watch the stage, wide open for the entirety of the play, except for the scenes when tears block their vision."
-Catherine Vladimirov, Review Fix