Elora Community Theatre youth help famed Christmas story to stage

It’s a timeless Christmas classic of faith, love and holiday spirit meant for all ages.

Starting Dec. 8, Elora Community Theatre (ECT) will perform Miracle on 34th Street at the Fergus Grand Theatre. Based on the motion picture, first released in 1947, which has had multiple adaptations through the years.

This adaptation, takes the popular holiday tale from screen, to stage.

The play, based on the original story written by Valentine Davies, includes an acting ensemble of all ages, including 20 youth ready to perform in the holiday production.

“I love Christmas. And Miracle on 34th Street is probably one of my all-time favourites, especially the 1947 version with Edmund Gwenn. So, to be able to put this on stage, it's something I’ve always wanted to do,” said director Deb Stanson. “And I also just love working with kids. And that’s what I get to do with this production.”

For Stanson, it’s a personal gain.

“I’ve always been involved with children in theatre for over 30 years. I actually started up a youth theatre group in Windsor which now has over 100 kids involved, and it’s still going, 20 years later,” she said.

“For me, it’ important that kids have the opportunity to be on stage. It offers so many life-affirming skills. Watching all of these kids come together, the whole communication aspect, and the discipline required, when everything comes together, for them, it’s just amazing.”

Ella Blair, 13, assists backstage and says a big reason for taking part is because of the kids.

“Christmas shows are amazing, and kids love this show so much. I just love the magic in theatre. That’s why I do this,” Blair said.

Zoe McWhirter, 16, from Fergus, says Christmas shows can bring out the holiday spirit in people.  

"I love seeing that. I love seeing people happy. And theatre is a real passion of mine,” McWhirter said.

For nine-year-old Addison Plumstead from Fergus, it’s her first time on stage.

“I wanted to try acting and this is my first play. I’m really excited. And I’m having so much fun,” she said.

Her 10-year-old sister, Natasha, is also acting in the production.

“I love everything about it. I love the parts I’m in. And I love Christmas,” she said.

The story is said to be not just one of festive fun but the message of a true Christmas being about family, not possessions, and the importance of imagination. 

Lillian Primeau, 10, from Elora, loves wearing the costumes in iconic '30s fashion.

“And I just love being a part of something like this,” she said.  

Performances will take place from Dec. 8 to 10 and Dec. 15 to 17.

Friday performances take place at 8 p.m. Saturdays have an added matinee at 2 p.m. along with an 8 p.m. show and Sundays are strictly a matinee performance at 2 p.m.

More information and tickets can be found here.

“The kids in this show learn from us, and the adults learn from the kids,” Stanson said.

 “This show is heartwarming, it has drama, and it has the best kids ever.”