A CHRISTMAS STORY Casts 'Ralphie' - 12-Year-Old Johnny Rabe!

Broadway's A Christmas Story, The Musical has found its Ralphie.  Following a nationwide search, producers of the musical have announced that Johnny Rabe will don Ralphie's trademark spectacles for the holiday engagement at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Rabe will make his Broadway debut in the role.

 

Rabe has some history with the musical, having been discovered in Chicago last year when he auditioned for the 2011 national tour of A Christmas Story, The Musical.  Too young for the role last year, producers kept a watchful eye on Rabe casting him as one of Ralphie's classmates. A year later, Rabe once again auditioned, and knocked the socks off of the creative team.

 

"I can't believe it, " says Rabe.  "I had so much fun last year singing and dancing in the snow with the rest of the kids' ensemble, I never dreamed that I would ever get to wear the pink bunny suit …on Broadway!  Talk about an early Christmas present!"

 

At certain performances, Joe West, also making his Broadway debut, will play the role of Ralphie.  Based in Los Angeles, Joe caught the production's attention when producers extended their search to a national talent pool, inviting young actors to submit audition videos. Producers were so impressed with West's video submission, he was invited to come to New York where he auditioned for the creative team and was cast to play the role at certain performances.  Joe West is the son of two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner Maura West ("As The World Turns".)

 

"After months of searching, we are thrilled to have found two exceptionally talented boys to play role of Ralphie," says producer Gerald Goehring.  "Broadway's newest 12-year-old triple threat, Johnny Rabe, graduated from the ranks of the kids' ensemble in last year's tour to become our terrific young leading man.  And Joe West wowed us with his online video audition and now joins our fabulous company.  We couldn't be more excited to be the first to share these two young stars with the Broadway community!."

 

A Christmas Story, The Musical will arrive on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre just in time for the 2012 holiday season.  The new musical, based on the 1983 movie perennial, will play a November 5 – December 30 holiday engagement. Opening night is Monday, November 19.  Tickets are now on sale at www.AChristmasStoryTheMusical.com or www.TicketMaster.com.