A CHRISTMAS STORY Holds Online Casting Search for 'Ralphie'

A Christmas Story, The Musical takes its search nationally for a young boy to play the iconic role of 'Ralphie' with submissions now available online. As the Broadway-bound production prepares to launch a 2012 holiday engagement, the show's producers invite young performers to submit their audition within the next ten days by visiting www.AChristmasStoryTheMusical.com and following three simple steps:

1. Record a video of yourself singing a brief song that is rhythmic and that shows us your voice, high notes, and personality. A classic Broadway belt or a holiday song is suggested. We want you to have a good time and show us your personality!

2. Get a recent digital picture or headshot of yourself and your resume. (If you don't have a resume, just prepare a brief paragraph about yourself in a Word Document.)

3. Go to www.AChristmasStoryTheMusical.com and click on the "Are You Our Next Ralphie" link to register with our online casting site, LetItCast®, and follow their instructions to submit your video, photo, and information.

In casting the role of 'Ralphie' casting directors are seeking submissions from boys who can play 10-11, who are under 4'11", excellent singers with unchanged voices, who act. They must be comfortable on stage, bright, and real. We are looking for a boy who is a regular kid, with enormous talent.

According to the show's producer Peter Billingsley, "Yes, the role is truly available and in the same way the original film was cast, this is a bona fide national search. We are in the final two weeks of auditions for the right Ralphie who could be Broadway's next sensation."

Rehearsals for A Christmas Story, The Musical will begin in New York City on October 1 and performances will run from November 5 until December 30.

For details about our online submissions and how to upload a video-taped audition please go to: www.letitcast.com. Questions can be directed to: ACSauditions@gmail.com.

A Christmas Story, The Musical will arrive on Broadway at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre just in time for the 2012 holiday season. The producers have announced that 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.AChristmasStoryTheMuscial.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

America's #1 holiday movie came to hilarious life onstage when A Christmas Story, The Musical launched a tour in 2011 with stops in Hershey, PA; Detroit, MI; Raleigh, NC; Tampa, FL; and Chicago, IL. The musical features a bright holiday score by composer/lyricist team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a witty book by Joseph Robinette based on the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and the 1983 holiday film favorite. Tony Award winner John Rando (Urinetown) directs the production with Warren Carlyle (Chaplin, Follies, An Evening With Hugh Jackman) choreographing. Casting is soon to be announced.

A Christmas Story, The Musical features scenic design by Walt Spangler; costume design by Elizabeth Hope Clancy; lighting design by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley; sound design by Ken Travis; wig design by Tom Watson; orchestrations by Larry Blank; music direction and supervision by Ian Eisendrath; dance music arrangements by Glen Kelly; and vocal arrangements by Justin Paul.

The Chicago Sun Times described A Christmas Story, The Musical as "an enchanting holiday gem…an altogether beguiling…luminous musical comedy," while Variety called it "a slick, undeniably enjoyable musical," and The Chicago Tribune heralded it as "a moving celebration of family." The Detroit Free Press raved "the cast practically triple-dog-dares you not to enjoy yourself." Time Out Chicago predicted "A Christmas Story, The Musical has the potential to be a new perennial favorite."

The story from a cherished movie classic that's enchanted millions is now a musical spectacular. In 1940's Indiana, a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas-a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Co-produced by the film's original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley, A Christmas Story, The Musical is holiday entertainment that captures a simpler time in America with delicious wit and a heart of gold.

A Christmas Story, The Musical is produced by Gerald Goehring, Roy Miller, Michael F. Mitri, Pat Flicker Addiss, Peter Billingsley, Timothy Laczynski, Mariano Tolentino, Louise H. Beard, Michael Filerman, Scott Hart, Bob Bartner, Michael Jenkins, Angela Milonas, Bradford W. Smith.

A Christmas Story, The Musical is based upon the motion picture A Christmas Story© 1983 Turner Entertainment Co., distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd. A Christmas Story, The Musical is produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc. and Dalfie Entertainment, Inc.