It is no secret that the Holy Redeemer Drama Department is brimming with talent, both onstage and backstage. This can be seen through the outstanding plays they have produced each year and multiple awards they win. This year, 40 talented drama students will work together to produce the Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street (plus The Grinch).
“First of all, everyone loves a Christmas play,” says Drama Teacher Peter Taylor. “We actually produced the play back in 2014 and it’s one of those sentimental favourites I’ve always wanted to bring back. With this group, it proved to be the perfect time to do just that.”
The play is based on the 1947 film of the same name where an old man named Kris (Kris Kringle, to be exact) appears in New York City claiming to be the one and only Santa Claus. From there magic ensues that everyone he meets is impacted in a positive way, which all helps to bring out the power of believing in things, even when common sense tells you not to.
Taking on some of the lead roles for this family-friendly affair are grade 12 Festival Award Winners Cassie Squire (Doris) and Dylan Watson (Fred), as well as grade 10 student Hayden Greiner (Kris) and grade 8 student Katie Sydor (Susan).
“This is my last big show at Holy Redeemer and I’m really excited to take on this role,” says Squire. “It’s pretty awesome I get to end my last year in such an important role.”
The Drama Department is set to stage the show from November 29th to December 2nd. As per the title above, audiences can also expect a wonderful addition of The Grinch. “People have asked me many times how we’re going to connect The Grinch into Miracle on 34th Street, and my response is, you’ll have to buy a ticket and find out,” says Taylor. “But I guarantee it will be worth the price of admission.”
Grade 12 student Delaney Kuiboer will play the iconic Grinch, and says it is the role she was vying for. “I love the Grinch and I think playing this role is going to be so much fun!” she says.
Tickets for the play will go on sale during the first week of November.
And now, the drama kids return to their rehearsals as they expect over 1100 people are anxiously awaiting to see their show.