STANDISH — Before auditioning children for the lead role of Susan in the Schoolhouse Arts Center’s production of “Miracle on 34th Street,” director Mike Hjort decided to double-cast the part.

“There will be nine performances of ‘Miracle’ in three weeks,” Hjort said. “Double-casting the lead role of Susan takes some of the pressure off of our young performers.”

“The Schoolhouse had so many talented kids auditioning for the play that it also enabled me to give two girls the opportunity to get the experience of performing a big part before a live audience,” Hjort said.

He decided on Meghan Reidy and Lauren Preis. Both are 10-year-olds from Gorham. And both possess the skills necessary for the demanding role. What  Hjort didn’t know is that Meghan and Lauren are best friends.

Lauren and Meghan have performed together in four other plays, “Annie Jr.,” “Willie Wonka Jr.,” “The Universe and Other Stuff” and “Cinderella.” Sharing the role of Susan Walker in “Miracle on 34th Street” will be their sixth time on-stage together.

“Sharing the role with Meghan has made my whole experience even more special,” Lauren said, “I especially like it when we can perform together.”

“Miracle on 34th Street” is the story of Susan Walker, a little girl growing up in New York City. Her single mother has raised her to be a practical child who fosters no fantasies about Santa Claus — until she encounters a lovable old man named Kris Kringle, played by Tom Ferent.

Kris Kringle is a white-bearded old fellow from a retirement home who gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. He unleashes waves of good will upon Macy’s customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find the toy their child has requested. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy’s vocational counselor, who plots to have him shanghaied to Mt. Hope Psychiatric Hospital, Kris Kringle ends up in a court competency hearing. What follows has become a classic tale about the magic of believing.

The family-friendly play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15; and 2 p.m. Dec. 2, 9, and 16. Tickets are $14 for adults/$12 for students and seniors. Call 642-3743 or visit www.schoolhousearts.org. Schoolhouse Arts Center is at 16 Richville Road (Route 114).