Rome Little Theatre’s production of “Here’s Love” hopes to put a new twist on a classic.
The show is a musical based on the family favorite film, “Miracle on 34th Street.” It tells of a skeptical little girl who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. When the real Kris Kringle inadvertently is hired to represent jolly St. Nick in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, he must convince the child and her cynical mother that he’s the genuine article.
“The story in the musical and the movie is basically the same,” said producer Larry Lassiter. “The difference is that in ‘Here’s Love’ there are huge musical and dance numbers. But the story and the characters that people love are exactly the same.”
RLT’s production opens Friday and features a 35-member cast, most of whom hail from the Rome area. Wendell Barnes plays Kris Kringle, Haley Fisher plays little Susan Walker, Ashley Horn plays her mother Doris and Danny Price plays Fred Gaily.
Lassiter said he and director John Lee found local actors who were strong in the three disciplines of acting, singing and dancing, making for a great cast.
“Usually when you have a community theater show you have some strong singers and then some of the actors who just aren’t as good. But we were lucky. This show has very talented actors and amazing singers.”
Coupled with choreography by Chip Byars and a visually stunning set by Becky Magruder, he said the show promises to be a feast for the eyes.
“Becky did an amazing job with the set,” he added. “From the scene outside Macy’s to the New York City skyscrapers to a snow-blanketed Central Park, it’s just a beautiful set.”
“Here’s Love” opens Friday and continues Saturday and Sunday, as well as Dec. 14, 15 and 16. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. while Sunday shows begin at 2:30 p.m.
As a special promotion for the Dec. 9 show, patrons who bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys For Tots program will get two tickets for the price of one.
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