Hershey Area Playhouse Presents A CHRISTMAS STORY

Hershey Area Playhouse is proud to present its holiday production, A Christmas Story.

Based on the 1983 movie written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, which was presented in a series of vignettes, with narration provided by the adult Ralphie Parker reminiscing on one particular Christmas when he was nine years old. The play, written by Philip Grecian, tells the story of how young Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. However, he is not sure he will ever make it to Christmas, between his brother Randy and the school bully Scut Farkus. Whenever he tells someone how much he wants it, he/she tells him that he will shoot his eye out and refuses to get it for him. Even a department store Santa Claus tells him the same thing.

"The foundation for this theater adaptation was built by playwright Philip Grecian who had a love for this story and extended it to a New Medium. He gave a new kind of life to the original author's stories and gave us a chance to experience them first-hand with all of the energy and magic of a live performance. Sadly, he never got the chance to meet Jean Shepherd, but together they have handed these stories down to us, so we can continue to relive them," said director John Mallonee in his directorial debut. "I hope that our production removes some of your cares today as you listen for the lines you already know and respond to the actors as they retell this classic American tale."

Bringing this holiday show to life, cast members of A Christmas Story include: Thomas Marks as adult Ralphie, Carter McQuiddy as Ralphie Parker, Lynne DeMers-Hunt as Mother, Bruce Weaver as The Old Man, Romeo Wills as Randy, Niki Boyer-Swatski as (Miss) Shields, Levi Snyder as Flick, Nathan Swank as Schwartz, Morgan Owsley as Esther Jane Alberry, Garyson Marz as Helen Weathers, Katie Copeland and P.J. Paterno as Scut Farkas, and Joe Owsley as Cowboy/Tree Lot Owner/Delivery Man/Neighbor.

In addition to Mallonee, production staff members for A Christmas Story include: Tracey & Matthew Ford, producers; Patt Roth & Becky Jenkins, stage managers; Mike Wiltraut, lighting designer; Mike Toth, light board operator; Dave Rowland, sound engineer; Mark & Stacy Foley, props; Steph Toth, stage crew; Linda Pagliarulo, costumer; Sue Weidman, assistant costumer; Jeffrey Miller & Carlton Hoke, set design & construction; Nancy Parson, set dresser; Vonnie Stevenson & Maxine Oliver, house managers; and Michael Feldser, photographer.

Experience the holiday comedy of A Christmas Story, running Dec. 6-9 and Dec. 13-16, 2017. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for teens/adults and $17 for those ages 12 and under. Tickets are available by visiting www.HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com or by calling the Playhouse's box office at 717-533-8525.

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