As we get closer to the holiday season, lights begin to glow around the community. The school’s theater department prepared to deliver a dose of seasonal magic with its production of the popular movie Miracle on 34th Street. The classic story, warm, hopeful, and timeless, was brought to life on a big stage by the Urbana drama team. They were determined to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, and they worked hard for months to do so.
Choosing this year’s play was not a simple task. With so many potential scripts, themes, and genres to explore, the director, Mr. Ward, explained that Miracle on 34th Street rose to the top because of its universal heart. “We wanted something that would bring people together. The holidays can be hectic, stressful, and an emotional time for people,” Ward said. Part of his decision also came from wanting to give students a production that balances humor, emotion, and creativity. “This script gives everyone room to shine,” Mr. Ward explained. “Whether a student has one line or twenty, their presence helps build the world of the story.”
At the core of Miracle on 34th Street lies a simple but powerful message: belief matters. Ward hoped that’s what audiences take with them when they head home after the final curtain. Kris Kringle’s insistence that he is the real Santa Claus challenges every character not just the skeptical young Susan, but adults who have long forgotten what it means to hope. “This story asks us to reconsider what we think we know,” Piper Estok said. “It encourages the audience to soften, to imagine, and to trust. In a world that can be harsh, that reminder feels important.”
Compared to previous shows, this year’s production stands out in both tone and scale. Recent years featured more contemporary or comedic plays, but Miracle on 34th Street brings the school back to a classic era, an era of theatre rich in warmth, rich in storytelling, and driven by sincerity rather than spectacle. That shift allowed students to explore deeper emotional beats and subtler character work. “Students have had to practice restraint, compassion, and timing,” Mr. Ward noted. “It’s been a different kind of challenge, but a rewarding one.”
Still, the production offers plenty of spectacle. One of the most exciting aspects for both cast and crew has been recreating the bustling holiday atmosphere of Macy’s. Designing the department store with its bright decorations, energetic shoppers, and lively Santa line—became a creative focal point for the entire team. “We wanted the audience to feel like they stepped directly into New York City during the holidays,” Mr. Ward said.
Although the play remains faithful to its classic roots, a few thoughtful adaptations were made to fit the school’s cast size and bring a fresh perspective to certain moments. Minor characters were combined, and some lines were slightly modernized to help younger actors deliver them naturally. “We stayed true to the spirit of the story,” the director emphasized, “while making sure it flowed well for our students.”
As opening night approaches, the drama department is excited to show what they have been working on for so long. Rehearsals have been long, sets have been built and rebuilt, and students have poured their hearts into every scene. What shines through most is their shared dedication. “This cast cares so much,” Mr. Ward said. “They’ve embraced the message of the show, and they’re ready to share it with everyone who walks through those doors.”
Josh Solomon, Granville Sawyer, and Piper Estok starring as Doris Walker, the female lead expected the show to be successful because its Christmas theme would attract kids and families. Granville Sawyer, the villain played by Josh Solomon, noted that the community supported them and that it was a great turnout.
This year’s production of Miracle on 34th Street was more than a holiday play. It’s a celebration of belief in kindness, belief in community, and belief in one another. In a season built on hope, that might be the most magical message of all: a reminder that even during a stressful holiday season, everything is better when you’re together with the people you care about.
