Despite the fact the 1947 classic holiday film "Miracle on 34th Street" is set during Christmas, 20th Century Fox studio head Darryl F. Zanuck insisted it be released in May because he argued "more people go to the movies during the summer."

That forced the studio to scramble to promote it while keeping the fact that it was a Christmas movie a secret.

Fortunately, the press helped fan the flames of publicity.

For example, according to syndicated columnist Hedda Hopper's "Looking at Hollywood" newspaper column of May 3, 1947, she wrote: "When the picture opens at The Roxy Theater, all Macy's will close for half a day so its 12,000 employees can see the first showing."

The good people at Porchlight Music Theatre have timed the opening of their stage production of his holiday story favorite at just the right season.

I attended the press opening of "Miracle on 34th Street" last weekend at the Theatre Building, 1225 West Belmont, in Chicago.  It's based closely on the film classic.

Anyone in need of a generous dose of holiday spirit, wrapped neatly in a production with lots of fun glitz, blinking lights and old fashioned tradition from now until Jan. 3, this is the ideal ticket.

And following each performance, the audience is invited to visit with Santa Claus right on stage while he's perched on his golden throne to share a Christmas wish. 

While the original film starred a young Natalie Wood and Maureen O'Hara and won three Academy Awards in 1948, this new version directed by L. Walter Stearns stars a talented cast to win the heart of audiences.

This production also combines the story with some brief, but welcomed, traditional holiday music segments. 

It had been years since I watched the original film about a white bearded gent claiming to be the real Santa Claus while restoring a wave of love and holiday faith throughout New York City.

Playing the part of O'Hara's role as Doris, a divorced, cynical single mother who works for Macy's, is the talented Christa Buck, with the believable Laney Kraus-Taddeo as her somber disbelieving daughter.

This theatrical version of Miracle on 34th Street is based on the novel by Valentine Davies with the production adapted by Patricia Di Benedetto Snyder, Will Severin and John Vreeke. 

The best of the best, rest of the cast for "The Miracle on 34th Street" features Jeff Award winner Jim Sherman as "man in red" Kris Kringle/ Santa Claus and he's the perfect fit for this starring role.

Actor Karl Hamilton as Fred Gailey, delivers a top-notch performance that prompts any audience to want to follow his lead and cheer him to a victory.

Adding to the festive fun is Jim Heatherly as Judge Harper, James Nedrud as Alfred/Bailiff, Rus Rainear as Mr. Sawyer, Chuck Sisson as Mr. Macy and Steve Tomlitz as Thomas Mara. 

The artistic team is led by Stearns, who is also Porchlight Music Theatre's artistic director.

Besides wonderful musical direction by Eugene Dizon and crisp choreography by Brenda Didier (especially a delightful toy parade at the start of the show,) a standing ovation is deserved for the costume design by Jana Anderson and the added feast for the eyes with projection design by Liviu Pasare, allowing for an imaginative and clever rendition of the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade. Bright and beautiful scenic design is by Ian Zywica.

Tickets are $40, with discounts available for students and seniors.  Single Tickets may be purchased through the box office at Theatre Building Chicago at (773) 327-5252 or theatrebuildingchicago.org.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.

Today's Celebrity Birthdays

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. is 80. Former presidential hopeful Gary Hart is 73. Singer-songwriter Bruce Channel is 69. Singer Randy Newman is 66. Musician Paul Shaffer ("Late Show With David Letterman") is 60. Actor Ed Harris is 59. Actress S. Epatha Merkerson ("Law and Order") is 57. Country singer Kristine Arnold of Sweethearts of the Rodeo is 53. Actor Judd Nelson is 50. Drummer Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden) and comedian Jon Stewart ("The Daily Show") are 47. Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon ("NYPD Blue," "The Jamie Foxx Show") is 43. Singer Dawn Robinson (En Vogue, Lucy Pearl) is 41. Musician apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas is 35. Rapper Chamillionaire is 30. Keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend is 26.