MURRAY — In a show within a show (swapped out with "A Christmas Carol Part 2") Producer C.B. D'Mille is hoping his new holiday show will be the hit he needs to save his theater in Desert Star Playhouse's "Miracle on 42nd Street."
However, Hardy Steele, the owner of a rival theater, plots to ruin D'Mille's show and take over all of Broadway.
"Christmas Magic" features Joan Quivers as the big star and Santa Claws/Kris Kringle in D'Mille's masterpiece.
The director of "Christmas Magic" has his hands full as he has to try and stop Steele as well as convince his assistant's disillusioned young daughter that Santa Claus does indeed exist.
Loosely following the storyline from the classic movie, "Miracle on 34th Street," the show allows for actor play and creative interaction.
It makes for a frolicking stage production, said assistant director Mary Parker Williams. "The villain thinks it's easy pickings for him since his girlfriend is the inside link."
The story includes all kinds of hilarious moments as "accidents" happen and problems keep piling up.
"We did a version of this in 2008," Williams said, "But, of course, we bring in current events and people. Instead of Elizabeth Taylor for our big name, we have Joan Quivers."
Williams said anyone who has seen it years ago will find the 2013 version fresh and funny.
If you go:
What: "Miracle on 42nd Street"
Where: Desert Star Playhouse, 4861 S. State, Murray
When: 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 6, 8:30 Friday; 11:30 a.m., 2:30, 6, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 to Jan. 4
Tickets: Adults $14-19.95 ($42.95 dinner theater); children $9.95 ($14.95 dinner theater) Call 801-266-2600
Website: www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com
Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 35 years experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.
Email: haddoc@deseretnews.com