Theatrical Gems: Miracle on 34th Street: History

presents

Originally titled Here's Love, Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical opened on Thursday, October 3, 1963 after two previews at the Shubert Theatre, with direction by Stuart Ostrow and choreography by Michael Kidd. It played for 334 performances. The original director, Norman Jewison, was replaced by Ostrow, the producer, during rehearsals.

At the time, its million-dollar advance sale was among the highest in history. It starred Janis Paige as Doris, Valerie Lee as Susan, Craig Stevens as Fred and Laurence Naismith as Mr. Kris Kringle. Fred Gwynne (The Munsters; Car 54, Where Are You?) was Shellhammer. During the run, Stevens was replaced by Richard Kiley, Paige by Lisa Kirk, and Dom DeLuise played Mr. Sawyer. Here's Love brought Michael Bennett and Baayork Lee together as dancers in the chorus.

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