Clear Space Theatre Company to Stage A CHRISTMAS STORY

Everyone knows the story of A CHRISTMAS STORY - that holiday classic about an average American family of four at Christmas time. Everyone can relate to the main character Ralphie - the young boy who desperately begs his parents for the BB gun that they warn will "shoot his eye out."

But not everyone has seen the staged musical version of this holiday treasure - complete with a dance number featuring that unforgettable lamp leg.

Now, they can.

Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth will be running A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL from November 27th to December 13th and they've stopped at nothing to realistically bring the "story" to life - even going so far as to cast a real-life married couple as Ralphie's parents.

David Warick and his wife Amy Warick are no strangers to the theatre world. Mr. Warick is not only an equity actor, but also a drama teacher at Sussex Central High School. Mrs. Warick herself is a frequent flyer on the stage, being featured in many shows at Clear Space and even co-directing the Delaware Comedy Theatre troop with her husband.

The two of them have teamed up to sing, dance, and act their way through the bulk of the holiday season. But, of course, playing a married couple on stage isn't as effortless as it seems.

"Sometimes, I have to remind David and Amy about their real lives and their real relationship and help them bring that dynamic to their characters," laughs Artistic Director David Button, who is also directing the show. "They sometimes forget about the dysfunctional nuances that exist in every marriage and are an essential part of these iconic characters."

Devon Lynch, one of Mr. Warick's theater students at Sussex Central High School, plays Ralphie. He says "Working with the two has been a unique and wonderful experience. I am seeing a completely different and awesome dynamic from [Mr. Warick} now that we are working together as actors," Lynch explained. "They are both so amazing to work with and they are always bound and determined to get all of their 'stuff' right."

Mrs. Warick has also really enjoyed the experience, adding "I always love being on stage with David; we have a shorthand, which helps us relate to each other more realistically on stage. So, playing husband and wife on stage is a true joy," she stated. "I'm looking forward to finding fresh nuances each night during the run of the show."

The show also offers her another treat that she doesn't get to enjoy very often. "Hearing David sing always makes me happy," she mused. "He has two hilarious numbers that really showcase his voice, so that is going to be an extra treat for me."

The show opens on Black Friday, November 27, and runs for three weekends with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Lynch and Mrs. Warick promise a theatre experience to remember! "I think the musical adds a different element to the initial story and will make fans out of people who did not 'love' the film," Lynch claimed. "That having been said, many moments of the musical cater to the people who are fans of the film. You will see the bunny suit, the soap in the mouth, and of course... the 'Oh, Fudge!' scene. Personally, I like the musical better."

"The musical version is wonderful; it will not disappoint," Mrs. Warick also offered. "The heart and humor are still there and adding music raises the stakes and elevates the story, making it a must see for the holiday season."

Tickets can be purchased online at www.clearspacetheatre.org, by calling 302.227.2270, or in person at the box office located inside the Clear Space Theatre at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

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