Review: Theatre Under The Stars Offers Sparkling, Funny Fare For The Holidays With A CHRISTMAS STORY

I am drawn to the irreverent, the spunky, and the unapologetic, which is part of the reason I love the film, A Christmas Story. It's a tale that tells it like it is, which is refreshing amid all the saccharine and over-tenderized Christmas entertainment that tends to sweep over the days of December. Theatre Under The Stars presents A CHRISTMAS STORY-The Musical and it's still the story we've loved all these years, but Broadway has sprinkled it's fairy dust over it and created a more sparkly incarnation.

A CHRISTMAS STORY-The Musical is successful in many ways, mainly because it honors the style of the iconic film version. Many of the characters are just as relatable as they are on the screen, there's plenty of snappy snark and candid humor, and the music compliments and enhances the story, rather than overshadowing it. Nothing is overlooked; you've got the snazzy lamp, the injured tongue, and a certain infamous BB gun. Patrons who have never seen the movie may enjoy the Broadway version more than say, someone who has seen the film thirty times. A case in point: When Ralphie unwraps a present from his aunt, people who are familiar with the film version know what's coming, but movie version virgins are laughing themselves silly.

The story takes place in the 1940's in a town in Indiana. The show is based on short stories and anecdotes of author and narrator, Jean Shepherd (played by the wonderful Kevin Cooney) with some elements from Wanda Hickey's "Night of Golden Memories". Joseph Robinette has written a seamless book that takes us through the story without a hiccup. Ralphie, a likable midwestern boy with a fertile imagination, is our protagonist, pining for a particular Christmas present and dodging through conflict during the Christmas season when he was 9 years old.

Bruce Lumpkin makes a provincial 1940's town come alive with his talented cast of performers. Thankfully, Estus Stephens (Ralphie) is thoroughly likable and has a very clear, strong singing voice. Ralphie is a huge undertaking for a child actor, and Stephens takes it all in stride, making it all seem fun and effortless. Kevin Cooney's narrative style is warm and natural- I actually prefer his delivery to the more emphatic tones of the narrator in the film version. All of the child performers in the show are students of TUTS' the Humphreys School of Performing Arts and they are a testament to the excellence of the school. The are fun to watch, natural, and very talented. I have a very sensitive gag reflex when it comes to child actors but I needn't have worried. I enjoyed every minute of these young performers.

With music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the score is, for the most part, enjoyable and effective. The song "When You're A Wimp" is a winner, with the younger cast members lamenting their vulnerable social positions. "Ralphie To The Rescue" is an hilarious saga involving cowboys, dance hall girls, and standoffs. "Sticky Situation" is clever and had me giggling in my seat, as poor Flick sings from his lamppost. 'You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" brings down the house with the magnetic Megan Sikora (Mrs. Shields) cutting up the stage with her tap shoes. "Just Like That", sung by Ralphie's mother, played by Susan Koozin, is tender and sentimental in the best possible way. But other music selections don't work as well. "What a Mother Does" is a bit of a throw-away. It doesn't further the story or deepen the character, and it's rather forgettable. "A Major Award" is a bit long and Ralphie's dad, played by John Scherer, sometimes loses his necessary crustiness amid the sparkle and pizazz of the number. However, the use of lamps in Dana Lewis' dazzling choreography is very visually exciting.

The production quality of this show is very high. Hats off to Christopher "Kit" Bond for providing perfect, crystal-clear sound. J Branson's scenery design is enchanting and chock full of eye candy. Costuming by Lynda L. Salsbury is thoughtful and enchanting, from the homey street wear of the townspeople to the more glittery confections that wow under the lights. There is, however, one puzzling costuming misstep in the show when the employees at the Chinese restaurant are dressed in western duds, complete with cowboy hats.

Theatre Under The Stars offers sparkling, funny fare for the holidays with A CHRISTMAS STORY-The Musical. Perfect for the family, and maybe necessary when the in-laws are about to drive you nuts.

For tickets:http://tuts.com

A CHRISTMAS STORY runs through December 20th at The Hobby Center

Photo Credits; Bruce Bennett

To post a comment, you must register and login.