Citadel Theatre presents ‘Miracle on South Division Street’ Nov. 12 to Dec. 14

What makes a miracle? Is it a vision, a moment of unexpected grace, or simply the courage to embrace change? Citadel Theatre’s holiday production, “Miracle on South Division Street,” playing from Nov. 12 through Dec. 14, invites audiences to explore these questions through the heartfelt and humorous story of the Nowak family.

In this comedy by Tom Dudzick, the Nowak Family of Buffalo, New York, devoutly Catholic and intensely proud of their Polish heritage, believes the Virgin Mary appeared to their family patriarch (a barber) on Christmas Eve 1948 and gave him a message to spread world peace. The barber built a 20-foot life-sized statue of the Blessed Mother, and the shrine still stands outside the family home where it has been a minor tourist attraction in their economically depressed neighborhood.

In the course of the play, the family’s belief in the veracity of this improbable tale is challenged, threatening their strong identity as Roman Catholics with the mission of guarding this story. Further weakening this identity is the announcement of family member Jimmy that he plans to marry outside the faith. In learning the truth about their family history, a miracle of a different sort occurs when they find they’re a part of a larger, and even more uplifting story.

Director Scott Shallenbarger, a Highland Park native who for many years was Director of Theatre Arts at Highland Park High School, sees the family’s journey as a miracle of a different sort.

“Is the word ‘miracle’ limited to holy sightings?,” he asked. “Living right now in a world that often feels divided, I wonder: Is it a miracle when we choose to be curious about what we don’t understand (versus disparaging the unfamiliar?)”

Shallenbarger explains how he and Citadel came to “Miracle on South Division Street.”

“When (Citadel Artistic Director) Scott Phelps offered me the chance to direct a play in this year’s holiday slot, I read a lot of holiday plays. This play won me over because, while it’s set at Christmastime, its themes transcend the holidays, or the message of any particular faith. At this time of year, diverse cultures around the world celebrate light to symbolize the triumph of radiance over darkness; hope over despair; and, for some, the arrival of miracles. The Nowaks’ growth beyond their identity as Polish American Catholics, into understanding and embracing that they are a part of the larger tribe of humanity, is its own sort of miracle.”

Leading the cast as Clara, who leads her three adult children in keeping alive the story of her father’s miraculous vision, is Naomi Hershman of Buffalo Grove. Hershman is a veteran of many productions throughout the North and Northwest suburbs and board member of Highland Park Players. Clara’s daughter Ruth, who seeks to turn the Nowak family story into a one-woman play and set the events in motion, will be played by Buffalo Grove native and Stevenson High School alumna Mindy Shore. Completing the cast as eldest child Beverly and son Jimmy are Lorelei Sturm and Robert Wood Frank.

The four actors will create the Nowak family in all their complex relationships and typical family squabbles. Their family dynamics are the basis of much of the play’s considerable humor, but we also see how the Nowaks are there when they need each other.

“The play has a strong holiday spirit in the way it shows the family coming together,” Shallenbarger said. “In the times you need to be lifted, family and close friends are there to catch you.”

“Miracle on South Division Street” will open on Friday, Nov. 14, after previews on Nov. 12 and 13, and play through Dec. 14. Citadel Theatre is in residence in the West Campus building of the Lake Forest School District, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. More information and tickets are available at citadeltheatre.org. Tickets are also available by phone, at (847) 735-8554, ext. 1.