SASKATOON — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Persephone Theatre, and two of the youngest Saskatoon actors in the upcoming production of Miracle on 34th Street are eager to work together.
Charlotte Thomson and Vinnie May Jones are sharing the role of Susan Walker in the play, adapted by Caleb Marshall and Erin Keating, from the classic story by Valentine Davies, which will be on the Persephone Theatre Main Stage Dec. 4 to 22.
“I'm very excited,” Thomson said. “I really like being the centre of attention, and as a child with two siblings, you don't really get that.”
“I was really nervous at first,” Jones said. “And then I realized no one's going to judge, or criticize, so I'm just like, what's the point of being nervous?”
Thomson said she has been in a children’s chorus before, but it is Jones's first time acting in a production. Jones said her cousin, local actor Bobbi Jones, encouraged her to audition for the play and it was emotional when she learned she was cast as Susan.
Upon learning she was cast in the role, Jones said, “I was just so excited and my family was so happy. We started crying and everything.”
Both girls are elated to be in the production and working with professional actors, most of whom are local Saskatchewan talent. They said it’s fantastic to be able to work with and learn from people from their own community.
“I always wanted to be an actor when I grow up, so I feel like being around people that are professional, I feel like that will help me,” Thomson said.
With its message of believing in the impossible, Miracle on 34th Street offers a magical theatre experience that families of all ages will cherish during the holiday season. The girls will be part of bringing this holiday cheer to the city.
“My favourite part is when Santa is like ‘Give it a tug!’ and then she tugs his beard,” Thomson said about the script.
“I think the movie is great and the play is just awesome,” Jones said. “They have the perfect people for the parts.”
Hal Kerbes, who plays Kris Kringle, is the only actor in the production not from Saskatchewan. When he isn’t on stage, Kerbes keeps busy with numerous engagements as Santa Claus in his home city of Calgary.
Seeing him for the first time was magical because he truly looks like Santa, they said.
They are also thrilled to be sharing the role and are already becoming friends during rehearsal. Thomson and Jones will be alternating performances throughout the run, performing every other night. Lucas Hite and Lachlan Wright will be doing the same with the roles of Mortimer and Tommy.
“I think it's good because that would get very busy and exhausting doing eight performances (a week),” Thomson said. “So I think splitting it is the best thing.”
It will also be terrific for their families to see them on the Main Stage this year since this will be both of their first time in a main role.
“I'm not really nervous because most of my family is going,” Jones explained. “There’s one family member probably every show I'm doing.”
Miracle on 34th Street is sure to be a great way to start the holiday season, they agreed. “I feel like this will get me into the spirit of Christmas,” Thomson said.
Don’t miss this heartwarming tale that will rekindle your belief in holiday magic. Tickets are available at tickets.persephonetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 306-384-7727.
