Damariscotta theater recreates classic Hollywood holiday broadcast
This photograph captures the scene unseen by radio listeners of the Lux Radio Theater’s 1948 production of “Miracle on 34th Street” in 1948. Courtesy of Andrew Fenniman
Wiscasset resident Barbara Bruno is the host of Lincoln Theater’s re-creation of the Lux Radio Theater’s broadcast of “Miracle on 34th Street.” Courtesy of Andrew Fenniman
This photograph captures the scene unseen by radio listeners of the Lux Radio Theater’s 1948 production of “Miracle on 34th Street” in 1948. Courtesy of Andrew Fenniman
Wiscasset resident Barbara Bruno is the host of Lincoln Theater’s re-creation of the Lux Radio Theater’s broadcast of “Miracle on 34th Street.” Courtesy of Andrew Fenniman
Lincoln Theater will recreate a live production of The Lux Radio Theater's “Miracle on 34th Street,” on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Lux Radio Theatre was a long-run classic radio anthology series broadcast from 1934 through 1955. Initially, the series adapted Broadway plays during its first two seasons before it began adapting films. These hour-long radio programs were performed live before studio audiences.
The series became the most popular dramatic anthology series on radio, broadcast for more than 20 years and continued on television as the Lux Video Theatre through most of the 1950s.
Lux Radio Theatre strove to feature as many of the original stars of the original stage and film productions as possible. In 1936, when sponsor Lever Brothers (who made Lux soap and detergent) moved the show from New York City to Hollywood, the program began to emphasize adaptations of films rather than plays.
One of its most popular, the “Miracle on 34th Street,” was first broadcast on Dec. 22, 1947, and performed again Christmas week 1948. It featured the film’s original stars, including Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Edmund Gwenn.
Lincoln Theater is pleased to have drawn its “Lux Radio Readers” from across the region, including: Bruce Babb (Pemaquid), Tyson Bailey (Alna), Andy Barber (Woolwich), Mary Charbonnet (Damariscotta), Michael Feldmann (Boothbay Harbor), Andrew Fenniman (Chamberlain), Emme Harris (Southport), Sarah Harris (Southport), Susan Hodder (Boothbay Harbor), Jackson Ross (West Boothbay) Bill Vaughan (Newcastle), Stephen Wallace (Alna), Charlie Waterman (Damariscotta). Barbara Bruno (Wiscasset) who captured hearts and laughs as the narrator for LCCT’s production of “HMS Pinafore,” returns as host.
The Kringle Quartet — Kyle Aarons (Portland), Andy Barber, Devin Dukes (Portland) and Nancy Durgin (Wiscasset) — will be on hand to entertain and enjoin the audience in a carol sing-a-long. The show, directed by John Mulcahy, with technical direction by Jim Buckingham and production assistance by Jennifer True, is bound to entertain young and old alike.
While the event is free, tickets may be picked up in advance at the theater office (open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and will be available at the door on a first come, first served basis.
The Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater Street in Damariscotta.
For additional information, call the theater at 207-563-3424.
Event Date
Address
2 Theater Street
Damariscotta, ME 04543
United States
