FCT Miracle on 34th Street, the Play 2023

Fauquier Community Theatre 46th Anniversary Season Warrenton, Virginia

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, THE PLAY MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, THE PLAY Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street . Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, THE PLAY Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street . Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street . Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

FROM THE DIRECTOR As someone who grew up without Santa, I heavily related to Susan and Doris. As I went deeper into the script, I realized why this is such a classic, well-loved story. It's not just a story about believing in Santa, it's a story about faith, supporting others, and most of all, using your imagination. That's something we all can relate to no matter your holiday traditions. During the rehearsal process, I found myself asking questions t o the cast about Santa. Part for character development but part out of genuine curiosity. What does Santa do on his days off? Does he spend his days making Santa believers out of those who refuse him? Is Miracle on 34th Street just one story out of hundreds for old Kris? Our team doesn't ask each other if there is a Santa Claus because as far as we are concerned, there is. He's the magic I can only hope you'll feel as you watch our production and leave with the energy to continue Santa's mission of spreading goodwill and support for our fellow humans. Michelle Matthews , Director THANK YOU Our team doesn't ask each other if there is a Santa Claus because as far as we are concerned, there is. He's the magic I can only hope you'll feel as you watch our production and leave with the energy to continue Santa's mission of spreading goodwill and support for our fellow humans. Michelle Matthews , Director THANK YOU FROM THE DIRECTOR As someone who grew up without Santa, I heavily related to Susan and Doris. As I went deeper into the script, I realized why this is such a classic, well-loved story. It's not just a story about believing in Santa, it's a story about faith, supporting others, and most of all, using your imagination. That's something we all can relate to no matter your holiday traditions. During the rehearsal process, I found myself asking questions t o the cast about Santa. Part for character development but part out of genuine curiosity. What does Santa do on his days off? Does he spend his days making Santa believers out of those who refuse him? Is Miracle on 34th Street just one story out of hundreds for old Kris? Our team doesn't ask each other if there is a Santa Claus because as far as we are concerned, there is. He's the magic I can only hope you'll feel as you watch our production and leave with the energy to continue Santa's mission of spreading goodwill and support for our fellow humans. Michelle Matthews , Director THANK YOU Thank you to NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) as a community sponsor FROM THE DIRECTOR As someone who grew up without Santa, I heavily related to Susan and Doris. As I went deeper into the script, I realized why this is such a classic, well-loved story. It's not just a story about believing in Santa, it's a story about faith, supporting others, and most of all, using your imagination. That's something we all can relate to no matter your holiday traditions. During the rehearsal process, I found myself asking questions t o the cast about Santa. Part for character development but part out of genuine curiosity. What does Santa do on his days off? Does he spend his days making Santa believers out of those who refuse him? Is Miracle on 34th Street just one story out of hundreds for old Kris?

Thank you to NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) as a community sponsor St. James Episcopal Church and Warrenton Presbyterian Church Thank you to NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) as a community sponsor

St. James Episcopal Church and Warrenton Presbyterian Church Debra Liberman Photography for the beautiful photos. Susyqtiques for lending the retail man nequ ins Debra Liberman Photography for the beautiful photos. Susyqtiques for lending the retail man nequ ins Debra Liberman Photography for the beautiful photos. Susyqtiques for lending the retail man nequ ins Fauquier County Department of Parks and Recreation Fauquier County Department of Parks and Recreation Fauquier County Department of Parks and Recreation Debra Smyers, FCT Executive Director St. James Episcopal Church and Warrenton Presbyterian Church

Debra Smyers, FCT Executive Director Dan Martin FCT Technical Director Debra Smyers, FCT Executive Director Dan Martin FCT Technical Director

Dan Martin FCT Technical Director Dr. Sheryl Solow, Chair, and the entire FCT Board of Directors Thank you to the parents and family members of our cast and production team who have allowed us the time needed to bring this show to life. Dr. Sheryl Solow, Chair, and the entire FCT Board of Directors Thank you to the parents and family members of our cast and production team who have allowed us the time needed to bring this show to life. Dr. Sheryl Solow, Chair, and the entire FCT Board of Directors Thank you to the parents and family members of our cast and production team who have allowed us the time needed to bring this show to life. The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)'s rights and actionable under United States copyright law. The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)'s rights and actionable under United States copyright law. The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)'s rights and actionable under United States copyright law.

SCENES Act 1 SCENES Act 1 Act 1

Scene 1 .................................................................... Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Scene 2 ................................................................................. . .. Macy's, Friday morning Scene 3 ......................................................................... Macy's, the following Tuesday Scene 4 ........................................................................... Macy's, Wednesday morning Scene 5 .......................................................................... . . .. Doris' apartment, that night Scene 6 .................................................................................. . . . Macy's, one week later Scene 7 ............................................................ Macy's Employee Room, that evening Scene 8 ................................................................... . ....... .. Bellevue Hospital, that night Scene 1 .................................................................... Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Scene 2 ................................................................................. . .. Macy's, Friday morning Scene 3 ......................................................................... Macy's, the following Tuesday Scene 4 ........................................................................... Macy's, Wednesday morning Scene 5 .......................................................................... . . .. Doris' apartment, that night Scene 6 .................................................................................. . . . Macy's, one week later Scene 7 ............................................................ Macy's Employee Room, that evening Scene 8 ................................................................... . ....... .. Bellevue Hospital, that night Scene 1....................................................................Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Scene 2....................................................................................Macy’s, Friday morning Scene 3.........................................................................Macy’s, the following Tuesday Scene 4...........................................................................Macy’s, Wednesday morning Scene 5..............................................................................Doris’ apartment, that night Scene 6....................................................................................Macy’s, one week later Scene 7.............................................................Macy’s Employee Room, that evening Scene 8............................................................................Bellevue Hospital, that night

Act 2 Act 2

Act 2

Scene 1 ................................................................. . Judge's Chambers, one week later Scene 2 ............................................................... . Judge's Chambers, a few days later Scene 3 ............................................................................. ..... Courtroom, the next day Scene 4 ........................................................................... .. .. A restaurant, that evening Scene 5 ................................................................ . ....... ... Courtroom, the following day Scene 6 .............................................................. . ... . Judge' s Chambers, during recess Scene 7 ............................................................... . ............... .... Courtroom, after recess Scene 8 ............................................................... . ........ . NYC Mail Room, that morning Scene 9 ............................................................... . .... . Judge's Chambers, that morning Scene 10 ................................................................ . ............... .... Courtroom, same day Scene 11 ............................................................. .. .. . A suburban street, Christmas Day Scene 1 ................................................................. . Judge's Chambers, one week later Scene 2 ............................................................... . Judge's Chambers, a few days later Scene 3 ............................................................................. ..... Courtroom, the next day Scene 4 ........................................................................... .. .. A restaurant, that evening Scene 5 ................................................................ . ....... ... Courtroom, the following day Scene 6 .............................................................. . ... . Judge' s Chambers, during recess Scene 7 ............................................................... . ............... .... Courtroom, after recess Scene 8 ............................................................... . ........ . NYC Mail Room, that morning Scene 9 ............................................................... . .... . Judge's Chambers, that morning Scene 10 ................................................................ . ............... .... Courtroom, same day Scene 11 ............................................................. .. .. . A suburban street, Christmas Day Scene 1.................................................................Judge’s Chambers, one week later Scene 2................................................................Judge’s Chambers, a few days later Scene 3..................................................................................Courtroom, the next day Scene 4................................................................................A restaurant, that evening Scene 5...........................................................................Courtroom, the following day Scene 6...................................................................Judge’s Chambers, during recess Scene 7...................................................................................Courtroom, after recess Scene 8.........................................................................NYC Mail Room, that morning Scene 9.....................................................................Judge’s Chambers, that morning Scene 10....................................................................................Courtroom, same day Scene 11.................................................................. A suburban street, Christmas Day

**There will be a 15 minute intermissi on between Act 1 and Act 2** **There will be a 15 minute intermissi on between Act 1 and Act 2** **There will be a 15 minute intermission between Act 1 and Act 2**

Photo credit: Debra Liberman Photography Photo credit: Debra Liberman Photography

CAST

Cast Members

Kris Kringle

Stub Estey

Fred Ga i ley

Adam Weidner

Doris Walker

Sharon Ray

Susan Walker

Greta Kyhl

Doctor Pierce

Jim Constable

Albert Sawyer/Rich Person

Gene Schmiel

Judge Harper

Scott Olson

J.Mara

Tammy Barboza

Charlie Halloran/Parent 2

Matt Gulbranson

Shelly Shellhammer

Elizabeth Steimel

Elf Z/Al

Abby Hardin

Elf Q/Bag Lady

Bella Hall

Elf W/Pedestrian 1

Emily Ray

Elf J/Lou

Mya Morlier

Elf R/Pedestrian 2

Teah Draper

R.H. Macy/Drunk Santa

Gary Adams

Finley/Social Worker

Nathan Dal Pezzo

Parent 1/Photographer/Zookeeper

Skye Powell

Dutch Girl

Alyssa Weidner

Meghan/Pedestrian 3

Emma London

Mr. Bloomingdale/Postal Worker

Bobb Jordan

Sharon/Child 1

Brenley Tedder

Johnny/Child 2

Owen Timbrook

Janet Mara

Lennox Chen

CREW

Crew Members

Director

Michelle Matthews

Producer

Thor Matthews

Production Assistant

Terri Ritchey

Stage Manager

David Ritchey

Assistant Stage Manager

Bobb Jordan

Lighting Design

Peter Ponzini

Sound Design

Michelle Matthews

Costume Design

Michelle Macdonald

Costume Design

Eva Thorpe

Hair and Makeup

Sprite Briner

Properties

Becky Gould-Levine

Properties

Melanie McCleerey

Photo credit: Debra Liberman Photography

WHO'S WHO

Stub Estey as Kris Kringle Stub started his beard in April, hoping to play Kris. This wonderful cast keeps him young! Prior FCT performances: “The Stage Manager” in Our Town ; The Greatest Generation Speaks ; Gift of the Magi – The Musical ; Jesus Christ Superstar ; Bad Auditions on Camera ; It’s a Wonderful Life ; My Fair Lady . Love to Nancy for her unwavering support.

Adam Weidner

as Fred Ga i ley

Adam performed in seven plays in four years in high school, then took a twenty year break. He was given the opportunity to take on the role of Sam Wainwright with Fauquier Community Theater in It’s a Wonderful Life in 2018 and is excited to be working with his daughter on stage for this performance. He hopes to continue doing so. as Doris Walker Sharon is excited to be in her second FCT production after being in Our Town last Spring. She is excited to be in Miracle with her daughter Emily and has been honored to work with so many talented castmates. She looks forward to sharing such a wonderful Christmas story with everyone! Sharon Ray

as Susan Walker

Greta Kyhl

Greta is thrilled to debut at Fauquier Community Theatre in her role as Susan! Greta comes from a large family of thespians and is so excited for her first opportunity on the big stage. Greta loves reading, snuggling babies, ballet, wrestling with her brothers, and good puns. Her very favorite part of being in the show is performing with her grandfather, Jim Constable. as Doctor Pierce Jim is thrilled to make his 6th return to FCT most recently seen as Tom Brokaw in The Greatest Generation Speaks . Other shows include, Shoah , Lost in Yonkers , White Christmas and To Kill a Mockingbird . He is also thrilled to be sharing the stage for the very first time with his granddaughter, Greta, in her community theatre debut as Susan! Jim Constable

WHO'S WHO

Gene Schmiel as Albert Sawyer/Rich Person Gene is surprised this is already his 10th FCT Play! From One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to Our Town, with stopovers at such great shows as Twelfth Night, 1776, Twelve Angry Men, and SHOAH, it has been a great journey. Especially because he has been accompanied by and worked with so many fabulous FCT participants over the years. Enjoy the show! as Judge Harper Scott is happy to be back at FCT playing the judge after he directed last year's hit show Mam m a Mia ! Since then, he was in The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge for PWLT. He has been doing community theater in the area for for the past 30 years and wants to thank all those who support him whether they are near or far. Scott Olson Tammy Barboza as J. Mara Her roles this year: FBI agent, “Scullery” in, Polterheist ; “Geneva Shelton” loving sister of a WWII veteran in The Greatest Generation Speaks ; persnickety, “Florence” in The Odd Couple female version, and troubled mother, “Halie” in Sam Shepard’s, Buried Child . Tammy holds closely her father's watchwords, "confidence and competence." Matt Gulbranson as Charlie Halloran/Parent 2 Matt is a West Point graduate, Desert Storm Veteran, former MP Officer, Army Attache, Nuclear Weapons Inspector and Defense Cooperation Chief. He is fluent in Russian and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild with over 130 TV and movie credits. His theater credits include The Odd Couple, The Boys Next Door, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, and An Enemy of the People. Elizabeth Steimel as Shelly Shellhammer Elizabeth is thrilled to be performing in her 45th show! She has previously performed with Fauquier Community Theatre six times including Night Must Fall, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Side by Side by Sondheim. She would especially like to thank her mom for coming to all 45 of her shows.

WHO'S WHO

Abby Hardin as Elf Z/Al Abby is thrilled to be making her stage debut in Miracle on 34th Street with the Fauquier Community Theater. Outside of entertaining, Abby enjoys cooking, playing outside, art, and being on the water. Abby is grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the Fauquier Community Theater, and looks forward to being involved in many other shows. Enjoy the show!

as Elf Q/Bag Lady

Bella Hall

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night! Having performed multiple times in parish productions, Miracle on 34th Street will be Bella's first play at FCT. When she is not a destitute woman or an elf, she is a 16 year old homeschooler who enjoys drawing, singing, playing piano and writing ridiculous poetry. Bella dreams of one day publishing her own comics. Emily Ray as Elf W/Pedestrian 1 Emily is in 8th grade at St. John’s School in Warrenton & this is her second time being involved with a production of Miracle . She has also been in Willy Wonka , Our Town , Annie, and Evita through FCT. Emily enjoys singing and art alongside theater. She loves Christmas and hopes her role as an elf helps with the Miracle Christmas magic!

as Elf J/Lou

Mya Morlier

Mya is excited to be in her second production at FCT. She is 12 years old and enjoys her homeschool days. Mya loves theatre & has also performed in productions at Allegro and Torch Drama Club. Outside of performing, Mya loves taking care of kittens and growing in her faith. She hopes that you enjoy the show and have a very merry Christmas! as Elf R/Pedestrian 2 Teah is 16 years old and a junior in high-school. She is so excited to perform on the FCT stage for the very first time! Teah has been doing theatre since she was 8 years old. She's performed with Shenandoah University and too many to count community theaters. She plans to study musical theatre in university. Teah Draper

WHO'S WHO

Gary Adams as R.H. Macy/Drunk Santa Gary is very happy to join the company in this production of Miracle on 34th Street. This is the second show that he has done after a 30 year break from being on stage. His first show back was as a member of the ensemble in the PWLT production of Oliver earlier this year. Thanks to everyone who has worked to make Miracle another wonderful experience. Nathan Dal Pezzo as Finley/Social Worker Nathan is 22 and loves theater! This is his first show with FCT and he has had a blast! He has been involved in several shows with Torch Drama Club in Warrenton and Hope Drama Camp in Vint Hill. As far as hobbies, well, he loves getting involved working on sets and providing props for shows. In other words, he's a theater kid !

as Parent 1/Photographer/ Zookeeper

Skye Powell

Skye is a 15 year old sophomore at Kettle R un H igh S chool and has been acting for 7 years with plays such a as Beauty and The Beast J R , Willy Wonka J R , Mary Poppins J R , The Music Man J R and 10 Ways to survive a Zombie Apocalypse. This is Skye’s third show at FCT and hopes to continue his theater career here for much longer. as Dutch Girl This is Alyssa’s second show with Fauquier Community Theatre. After being in FCT's T he Music Man J R summer camp, she fell in love with acting and auditioned for Miracle on 34th Street, the Play. Alyssa has been a dancer since age four and loves making new friends. She is very excited about being here and is hoping to do more shows in the future. Alyssa Weidner

as Meghan/Pedestrian 3

Emma London

This is Emma London’s first time performing with Fauquier Community Theater. She has enjoyed meeting new friends and enhancing her acting skills. When not at the theater , Emma enjoys reading, dancing, and crafting. Emma would like to thank the cast and crew in this production. She would also like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their support.

WHO'S WHO Bobb Jordan as Mr. Bloomingdale/Postal Worker This is the second time Bobb has been in this show at FCT. The first time was about ten years ago, and he played Drunken Santa and Finley the Bailiff. This time he's part of the backstage crew and has been assigned a couple of very small roles in the play. It's just right. It's nice working with Michelle and watching the show develop. as Sharon/Child 1 Brenley is excited to be a part of the Miracle on 34th Street, the Play cast and in her first production at FCT! She is currently a 5th grader at St. Michael's Academy in Vint Hill. When she is not onstage, Brenley can be found on the softball field, hanging out with friends or traveling with her family. Merry Christmas! Enjoy the show! Brenley Tedder Owen Timbrook as Johnny/Child 2 This is Owen's debut on the Fauquier Community Theater stage. Owen is an 8-year-old, third grader at Greenville Elementary. When not getting ready for the performances, he can be found playing outside with friends, practicing baseball, or perfecting his video game skills. Owen has two cats and a dog at home, in addition to his 15-year-old sibling . Owen Timbrook as Johnny/Child 2 This is Owen's debut on the Fauquier Community Theater stage. Owen is an 8-year-old, third grader at Greenville Elementary. When not getting ready for the performances, he can be found playing outside with friends, practicing baseball, or perfecting his video game skills. Owen has two cats and a dog at home, in addition to his 15-year-old sibling . Lennox Chen as Janet Mara Lennox is 8 years old and originally from New Jersey. She is an aspiring actress and singer and loves to travel to new countries. She participated in the Fauquier Community Theater camp for Annie J R as Molly this past summer and cannot wait to participate in more shows. Outside of the theater she is an avid reader with a creative mind and incredible imagination. Lennox Chen as Janet Mara Lennox is 8 years old and originally from New Jersey. She is an aspiring actress and singer and loves to travel to new countries. She participated in the Fauquier Community Theater camp for Annie J R as Molly this past summer and cannot wait to participate in more shows. Outside of the theater she is an avid reader with a creative mind and incredible imagination. WHO'S WHO Bobb Jordan as Mr. Bloomingdale/Postal Worker This is the second time Bobb has been in this show at FCT. The first time was about ten years ago, and he played Drunken Santa and Finley the Bailiff. This time he's part of the backstage crew and has been assigned a couple of very small roles in the play. It's just right. It's nice working with Michelle and watching the show develop. as Sharon/Child 1 Brenley is excited to be a part of the Miracle on 34th Street, the Play cast and in her first production at FCT! She is currently a 5th grader at St. Michael's Academy in Vint Hill. When she is not onstage, Brenley can be found on the softball field, hanging out with friends or traveling with her family. Merry Christmas! Enjoy the show! Brenley Tedder

Photo credit: Debra Liberman Photography

CREW WHO'S WHO

Michelle Matthews Director Michelle is so proud of this talented cast! Special thanks to her amazing production team and her family for keeping her sane. Michelle's favorite work includes: Costume Design: Sister Act (PWLT-Broadway World DC Nominated), Director: Ann e of Green Gables (PWLT) and Little Women (CRT) , and Sound Design: The Diary of Anne Frank (PWLT-WATCH Nominated). Thor Matthews Producer Thor has seen it all and done it all back stage. Thor has fielded many roles from sound board operator, assistant director, costuming, photography, videography for PLWT, Castaways Repertory Theater, and Zemfira. Thor spent time on s tage when he served as a Ceremonial Guardsman for the United States Air Force. This is Thor's first time producing with FCT. David Ritchey Stage Manager and Multi-Media David Ritchey has worked backstage for many community theater groups in a variety of roles. His most recent work was Stage Manager for On Golden Pond , presented by Vienna Theatre Company. He enjoys working on shows where his wife Terri participates, usually onstage. She has all the talent in the family. This is the first time David has worked with FCT. Peter Ponzini Lighting Design Peter is excited to be back at FCT, as his last show here was As You Like It . He would like to thank Michelle for the opportunity, the cast and crew for their hard work, and his wife for her support and patience during tech week. Michelle Macdonald Costume Design Michelle Macdonald is pleased t o costume this family classic. Her experience includes costuming for local community theatres in Northern Virginia and Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York. Thank you F CT for your trust. She wishes the cast and crew a wonderful run. Eva Thorpe Costume Design Eva is excited to add this show to her resume and to have such a wonderful experience with the Michelles. She has costumed Spring Awakening , How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying , The Addams Family , and The SpongeBob Musical. Bon spectacle! Sprite Briner Hair and Makeup S prite Briner is 37, from Warrenton, and has been working at FCT for 21 years. She enjoys tacos, dogs and karaoke. She has done makeup for MIRACLE and glad to have authentic Santa beards. She also walks dogs, cleans wigs, and has a puppy named Francis Bacon. Melanie McCleerey Properties Melanie directed Oliver with PWLT & MSO last summer. She was last seen in PWLT’s Sister Act as Mother Superior. R oles include Miss Hannigan in Annie and Roz Keith in 9 to 5 (WATCH award.) Mel heads the McCleerey circus at home with 4 kids and husband Tim. Becky Gould-Levine Properties and Multi-Media This is Becky's first show with FCT. She is president of PWLT in Manassas and Assistant Directed, Co-Produced, and led Marketing for Oliver with Manassas Symphony Orchestra. Other favorite shows include Sister Act and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

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