An eight-hour-long party planned for New Year’s Eve by the Westchester Broadway Theatre will include a stage musical, a dinner planned by Chef Alexandra Sampaio, dancing after the show, an open bar, and a midnight champagne toast, at an all-inclusive price at $360 per couple.
The show, Miracle on 34th Street, follows the plot of the 1947 Darryl F. Zanuck movie of the same name, which starred Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, William Frawley, Gene Lockhart and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kingle. The film won an Academy award for "Best Writing, Original Story" for Valentine Davies and Edmund Gwenn received an Oscar for "Best Actor in a Supporting Role."
“The story revolves around a white-bearded gentleman who claims to be the real Santa Claus and who fosters camaraderie between the competing department stores Macy's and Gimbel's (no longer in business) in New York City,” said Pia Haas, director of press and public relations. “He convinces a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.”
The show’s songs include “This Is What I Live For,” “Just Imagine” and “I Believe In Miracles.”
The evening’s activities follow (the times shown are approximate):
- 6 p.m. Open bar (continues until 2 a.m.)
- 6 to 7 p.m. Buffet with hot and cold Hor d’Ouvres. Antipasto, lobster, shrimp cocktail, beef empanadas, Clams Casino, spinach pie, “Pigs (franks) in Blanket,” stuffed mushrooms with crabmeat, and more
- 7 to 8:30 p.m. On stage: Miracle on 34th Street. Salad is served during intermission (at about 8 p.m.)
- 9 p.m. Dinner service begins. Entrees include choice of prime rib of beef, chicken masala, filet of sole with crabmeat stuffing and more
- Following Dinner. Dancing to the music of the Tuxedo Parc Orchestra (up to 2 a.m.)
- Midnight. Champagne toast and noisemakers
- 2 a.m. Party ends
The production is directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford.
The cast of the play includes Toni Triano as Kris Kringle, Garrett Long as Doris Walker, Sean Hayden as Fred Gailey, Gene Jones as Dr. Sawyer, Gary Lynch as R.H. Macy, and Marguerite Wilbanks as Dr. Pierce; Amelia Rose Allen and Zoe Wilson alternate in the role of Susan Walker.
The ensemble includes Bjorn Bolinger, Rachel Boone, Chloe Hurst, Jessica Jaros, Peter Marino, Leisa Mather, Joel Pellini, Joshua Phan-Gruber, Jacob Samuels, James Shackelford and Jonathan Stahl.
Photographs accompanying this article were taken by John Vecchiolla.
The cost includes tax, gratuity and noise makers. Parking is free.
The theater can accommodate approximately 500 people including up to 80 in the luxury boxes. The cost for a luxury box is $460 per couple (a minimum party of eight people required).
Reservations can be charged to a credit card and can be made by phone at 914-592-2222.
Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza (175 Clearbrook Road), Elmsford. Box office: (914) 592-2222.
