A CHRISTMAS STORY Reviews

[LimelightMike]

Today is Monday, November 19, marking the official opening night for the stage adaptation of the 1983 film A Christmas Story, itself based on Jean Shepherd's nostalgic and comedic holiday tale of American Christmases past, re-wrapped as a new Broadway musical by songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

John Rando directs and Warren Carlyle choreographs, helming the production that played a five-city U.S. tour last holiday season and was warmly embraced by critics nationwide. A Christmas Story has a score by Richard Rodgers Award-winning Dogfight songwriters Pasek and Paul and a book by Joseph Robinette. The new musical that captures the dysfunction and joy of a 1940's American holiday began previews November 7 and will play a limited run through December 30.

Young actor Johnny Rabe makes his Broadway debut in the central role of Ralphie, the youngster who pines away for an "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!" Peter Billingsley, who originated the role in the 1983 film, is among the producers of the musical. At certain performances, Joe West plays the role of Ralphie.

The cast also features Dan Lauria as Jean Shepherd, with John Bolton as The Old Man, Erin Dilly as Mother, Zac Ballard as little brother Randy, Caroline O'Connor as school teacher Miss Shields and Eddie Korbich as Santa Claus.

According to producers, "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. A Christmas Story, The Musical is holiday entertainment that captures a simpler time in America with delicious wit and a heart of gold."

[ucjrdude902]

I guess no one cares?

[CapnHook]

This thread is LATE, LimelightMike! What gives?

I don't know about anyone else, but I certainly care! This was one of the funnest and funniest new musicals I have seen in a while!

NY Times looks positive.
AP looks positive.
Hollywood Reporter looks positive.
AMNY looks mixed-to-positive.

[ucjrdude902]

Thanks for the update Capn.

[NewYorkTheater]

A Christmas Story Review: More Dogs Than Annie, More Elves Than Elf; A Minimum of Treacle

[dave1606]

I loved this show! EW is also positive. I really did love the score too so I am glad for Pasek and Paul that they are getting suck good notices. I hope this is the first of many more shows for them.

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20364394_20649655,00.html

[ucjrdude902]

Did realize this show was composed by them. Good for them! They deserve it.

[bwaylvsong]

Maybe it's just a lack of threads on the show, but I didn't even realized they had started previews, let alone opened!

[Mildred Plotka]

There's a large preview thread for this.

[bwaylvsong]

^Yes, but it's only one, and I clearly missed it... but my point is there weren't multiple threads like most other shows have

[Phantom of London]

When is Ben Brantley coming back from his hiatus?

[Kad]

When there's a high-profile show to review.

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Brantley reviewed "Murder Ballad" - I think that may have been his last one?

[wonkit]

^ I wish.