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Missing the warmth
By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN HUDSON -- Sometimes the parts really are larger than the whole. Take Here's Love, the Meredith Willson musical based on the movie Miracle on 34th Street, playing at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre through Dec. 26. It's the sweet and simple story of precocious little Susan Walker (Amber Toye), who comes to believe in Santa Claus -- and a whole lot of other things she can't see, touch or taste -- by a gentle department store Santa who persuades her he is the real thing. The Show Palace cast is able enough, and some, such as Laura Anne Hodos as the girl's cynical mother, Doris Walker, Tom Bengston as the pompous R. H. Macy and Susan Haldeman as a judicious Judge Martha Group, are outstanding. Tom Hansen's sets are luscious and full of colorful Christmas cheer; Erik Michelsen and Celeste Claire Miller's costumes create and sustain the show's 1940s setting; and Scott Wright's snappy, crisp choreography adds glitter and fun. Still, it takes more than sweets a holiday feast to make, and this show is a tad slack on the meat and potatoes. Blame Willson to some extent; the script is slight, and too many songs aren't melodious. But blame more director Steven Flaa, who, clearly missing the point of the story, shifted the focus from Santa and Susan to the romantic subplot between Doris and her neighbor Fred (Jon Frazier), mishandled that subplot, cut several key scenes and songs and, finally, failed to coach his cast adequately. Joseph Parra as Kris Kringle looks and sounds like the real Santa and has some sparkling moments with the kids and when he spars with the judge and the store psychologist. Parra's full potential goes untapped, though, because Flaa failed to guide him to bring out the essential Santa warmth. Besides, because Parra's singing voice is limited, a wiser director would let him speak his songs while the kids carry the melody. Because of the cuts, the romantic subplot between Doris and Fred develops much too quickly and awkwardly, giving us an uncomfortable jolt when we should be feeling all warm and fuzzy. Broadway musicals are notorious for their one-kiss-and-it's-all-settled love affairs, but this one sets a new record. Fred is supposed to be flip but vulnerable, and showing that takes time and nuanced performance. In this production's rush, Fred comes off as cluelessly clumsy as Steve Martin's wild and crazy guy. Fred needs to warm up to Doris, not suddenly pounce. Here's Love has the potential to be a heartwarming holiday experience, but unless some changes are made, this one is going to leave everyone cold. IF YOU GO: Here's Love, at Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16138 U.S. 19, Hudson, through Dec. 26. Matinees and evenings Wed.-Sun. Dinner and show, $35.95; show only, $24.95; ages 12 and younger, $19.95 and $14.95. Call (727) 863-7949 or toll-free 1-888-655-7469.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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From the wire |
