Bright Life Players bring holiday classic ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ to Wooster stage

One of Wooster’s nonprofit theater groups, Bright Life Players, will usher in the holiday season with its production of "Miracle on 34th Street." The play, adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies, will open Nov. 7 and run for two weekends. Showtimes are Nov. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Church of God, 1953 Akron Road, Wooster.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for children and $45 for a four-pack. Purchase tickets online at www.brightlifeplayers.org or ticketpeak.co/brightlifeplayers/brightlifeplayers and at the door the day of the show.

"Miracle on 34th Street" was originally written as a screenplay based on the author’s own inspiration from department store experiences during the holidays. In 1947 the classic holiday film was released. The story tells of an old man who claims to be St. Nick, who is hired to play Santa Claus at Macy’s store in New York City. Uncommonly good at his job, Kris begins referring customers to other stores to fulfill children’s holiday wishes. Ultimately, he ends up in a competency hearing, where the challenge becomes proving he really is Santa.

The multi-generational cast includes 35 actors from all over Wayne County, ranging in age from 9-70. There are several family groups among the performers.

Everyone in Bright Life Players, from actors to backstage crew, is a volunteer.

“We volunteer because we love it,” said Maggie Leatherman, the show’s artistic director.

The nonprofit was founded in 2015 and produces two shows each year.

Auditions are open to everyone and are advertised via social media and posters. Actors are asked to do a cold reading from the script. The next show has not yet been decided, and community members are invited to check the Bright Life Players website and Facebook for updated audition and performance information.

Donations to cover expenses and volunteers are always welcome. All proceeds from the performances are donated to area nonprofits.