Joy Watters reviews 'a perfect antidote to the horrors of Black Friday'.
The theatre in the hills has hit the jackpot with this year’s Christmas show, the third in as many years of musicals adapted from great festive movies.
John Durnin and his company do not put a foot wrong in Meredith `Music Man’ Willson’s musical adaptation, creating a thoroughly entertaining and beautifully presented piece of work.
The tale of Kris Kringle who works in Macy’s department store as Santa, claiming to be the real Mr Claus, is a lovely tale of the power of goodness. It is the perfect antidote to the horrors of Black Friday.
Set in a post-war New York, Adrian Rees’ set features the familiar skyline recreated in scaled down skyscrapers which are slickly moved around and carefully lit to echo the changing scenes and moods.
The large cast gives the show its all with James Smillie’s Kris Kringle a particular delight, looking perfect as the caring Santa and, importantly, not overdoing the sentiment.
Miracle has an edge to it in the shape of store employee, Doris Walker, who is deeply embittered by her short-lived marriage and imbues her young daughter with the same anti-men and anti-sentimental views.
Isla Carter as Doris has the measure of her character, steering it away from caricature and bringing a lovely singing voice to the part.
Her handsome next-door neighbour Fred (Stuart Reid) is determined to set this dame right, using Doris’ daughter Susan (an assured performance from Kirsty MacLaren).
Durnin makes fine use of the large company, who throw themselves into all the aspects of a musical.
An excellent band enriches the whole experience and while for some Miracle may be a load of sentimental baloney, here it is a highly professional piece of entertainment celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
Runs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until December 21
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