Take time to enjoy the spirit of the holidays by attending the classic play “Miracle on 34th Street” performed by the Dolores Schools Theater Troupe at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 23 in the cafeteria/main gym stage.

A spirit of believing in Santa Claus is portrayed in the play, with a deeper theme of belonging and compassion.

“It’s a heartwarming story, and I knew it was a good fit for these actors,” said director Pete Swingle.

A cast of 20 actors and 10 technical crew are putting on the play, and have been practicing for months.

“I like the genuine nature of the story, and how it circles back to fix the cynicism you see in the beginning,” said actor Camden Malloy, who plays Santa Claus at a Macy’s in New York City. “The audience can expect a lot of energy in every scene.”

Fifth grader Reagan Burger enjoys playing the fun and sarcastic Susan Walker. Her sister, freshman Shiloh Burger, takes on several roles, including a pedestrian, a bag lady, Macy’s employee and a postal worker.

“I like how my character has a change of heart in the end,” Reagan says. “We’re all good friends, so performing together makes it fun,” adds Shiloh.

Debating the existence of Santa Claus plays out in a dramatic courtroom scene, and there is a lesson of cooperative business practices as well.

“The myth of Santa is the question. The characters grow apart over it then come back together to believe,” said actor Hailey Melvin, who plays Doris Walker, a girl whose mother has raised her to not believe in Santa.