Pennsylvania Playhouses "Miracle on 34th Street" is the ideal show to put audiences in the holiday spirit.
This heartwarming play based on the beloved 1947 film runs through Dec. 17 at the playhouse, 390 Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem.
Paul Kodiak hits all the right notes as Kris Kringle, who is hired to play Santa Claus for Macys Department Store in 1940s New York City. Kodiak imbues the benevolent Kris with kindness and a gentle all-knowing quality.
Northampton Area School District third grader Luci Schneck is eminently likeable and very natural as Susan Walker, the precocious little girl who prides herself in her practical disbelief in things like Santa and the Easter bunny. As she slowly comes to believe in Kris and the spirit of Christmas, her character blooms. 
As Susans no-nonsense divorced mother Doris, Moriah Faith hides an underlying bitterness and disappointment with a confident air of commonsense. Her transformation is slower but satisfying as she overcomes her fear of trusting other people.
Gregory J. Wintle is very appealing as Fred Gayley. the Walkers good-natured neighbor and the lawyer who believes in Kris and cleverly defends the old man at his competency hearing.
Stephen Simone is amiable as Dr. Pierce, a physician who has a soft spot in his heart for Kris and comes to believe in Santa.
Macy's vocational counselor Albert Sawyer is played by Matthew Contakes, who gives the role a slightly unhinged and manic edge, ironic for the person who wants to have Kris committed to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital.
John Corl is good as the decent judge who wants to help Kris but also wants to follow the rules of law as Cara Padilla Jemsens sharp-tongued prosecutor and Fred spar over whether or not Santa Claus exists.
A trio of lively elves, played by Kayli Silimpert, Hanna Zarate and Dominick Dinzey adds some light-hearted fun to the proceedings.
Gary Boyer does double duty as the gruff but affable Mr. Macy and the drunken Santa who sets the plot in motion when he is fired from Macys.
Director Carrie Beleno keeps the on-stage action moving and a soundtrack of holiday carols adds to the festive mood.
Brett Oliveiras set design is uncluttered as it flips between Macys Department Store and the courtroom. Costume designer Todd Burkel has assembled attractive and effective 1940s era costumes for the cast.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for students. The playhouse is offering a pay-what-you-are-able performance Dec. 16.
Masks are not required but are strongly encouraged.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 15, and 16; and 3 p.m. Dec.10 and 17.
For information, call 610-865-6665, or go to paplayhouse.org.