Farmington Players Closes A Christmas Story 12/12

Ralphie Parker wants one thing for Christmas, "Old Blue" -- the official Red Ryder 200-shot carbon action range model air rifle with a compass and that thing which tells time! The only problem, everyone keeps telling him, "You'll shoot your eye out!"

The Farmington Players "triple -dog dare you" to experience all the magical moments of A Christmas Story on stage at the Barn Theater in Farmington Hills. This exclusive run - November 19 through December 12 - is the official stage adaptation of author Jean Shepherd's beloved musings that inspired the holiday film classic from Warner Bros. Tickets are available at farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office, (248) 553-2955.

The play includes favorite moments from the popular Hollywood picture: The pink nightmare. Flick's frozen-flagpole tongue. The Old Man's colorful cursing. Mommy's little piggy. The leg lamp's "Fra-gee-lee" allure. Little Orphan Annie's top-secret message, and the Bumpus hounds' grand turkey theft.

And there's much more. The live performance literally expands upon the wondrous happenings fans of the show fondly recall. There are new characters and yet another over-the-top dream sequence. You will enjoy meeting the endearing Esther Jane (who has a crush on Ralphie), and also experiencing a thrilling journey through a snake-infested jungle (where Midwest meets Australia).

Each Kid Deserves a Major Award

The stellar cast features standout performances by veteran thespians of The Farmington Players: John Boufford of Northville Twp. (Adult Ralph), Nancy Cooper of Farmington Hills (Mother), Tim Timmer of Wayne (The Old Man) and Anne Craft of Wixom (Miss Shields). But a big share of the spotlight shines on the eight children. "They take center stage and make the show the feel-good family affair that you never tire of," remarks Director Maureen Mansfield of Farmington. "I'm really, truly proud of how the children came into their own during the rehearsal process. I won't receive a Christmas gift any more meaningful than that."

Where to Dream of Pranging Ducks on the Wing

You'll find yourself remembering another Christmas in another time ... another place: A house on Cleveland Street in Hohman, Indiana, during a winter past. "When the curtain opens, you're transported into a two-story, cutaway version of the Parker family's home. It's kind of like the movie and Department 56 come to life," explains Tim Timmer, set architect, craftsman and actor too. "The period kitchen sink runs water, the refrigerator is a working '38 model, and the vintage car creation has battery-powered headlamps." Speaking of that automobile, be sure to look for its movie-matching license plate during the famous "Oh, fuuuuuuuuudge!" scene.

Hear the Falling Snow Brushing Against the Window

"Not a finga!" never sounded so good. An all-new, state-of-the-art audio system was just installed in The Barn's intimate surroundings. According to Mansfield, "A ton of fundraising hours went into acquiring the necessary upgrade. You'll hear songs of the season, along with unmistakable things like little brother Randy giggling, resonate something special." The stream of laughter and joy that A Christmas Story audiences share during every performance will only enhance the amped-up acoustics.

Opening Night Aftershow Afterglow

The Parkers didn't get their turkey dinner for Christmas and neither will you. Instead, following the performance you'll join The Farmington Players at a Chinese appetizer spread with tea. And if your fortune cookie is fortunate enough, you'll get a good idea of what you're getting for Christmas - perchance that hallowed Red Ryder BB gun? Naw, you'll shoot your eye out!

Show Dates

Friday - November 19 - 8pm

Saturday - November 20 - 8pm

Sunday - November 21- 2pm *Senior Sunday

Friday- November 26 -8pm

Saturday- November 27 - 8pm

Sunday - November 28 - 2pm

Friday - December 3 - 8pm

Saturday - December 4 - 2pm * Two Show Saturday

Saturday - December 4 -8pm

Sunday - December 5 -2pm

Thursday - December 9 -8pm * Thrifty Thursday

Friday - December 10 - 8pm

Saturday - December 11 - 8pm

Sunday - December 12 -2pm

Get Your Tickets Now

Tickets are available today at farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office (248) 553-2955.

Adults: $15, Senior discount: $2 off - Sunday, November 21, Only

Group Discounts: $2 off any performance: Must Have 10 or more people.

Students: $2 off

Thrifty Thursday: $2 off - December 9th Only

CAST MEMBERS

Ralph - John Boufford -Northville Township

Old Man - Tim Timmer - Wayne

Mom - Nancy Cooper -Farmington

Miss Shields - Anne Craft -Wixom

Ralphie - Peyton Miller - Rochester Hills

Helen - Madison Krumins - Farmington Hills

CAST MEMBERS

Randy - Carter Krumins - Farmington Hills

Schwartz - Zachary Worthing - Farmington Hills

Ruthanne - Charlotte Weisserman - Farmington Hills

Esther Jane - Sarah Cooper - Farmington Hills

Flick - William Fanelli - Farmington Hills

Farkus - Ben Lauter - Farmington Hills

CREW MEMBERS

Director - Maureen Mansfield - Farmington Hills

Asst. Director - Keith Janoch - Farmington Hills

Asst. Director - Laurel Stroud - Redford Twp.

Asst. Director /Producer - Judy Urich - Farmington Hills

Stage Manager - Dave Reinke - Novi

Stage Manager - Allie Shapiro - Farmington Hills

Stage Manager - Maggie Einhaus - Northville

Basics About the Barn
You can find The Farmington Players at farmingtonplayers.org and also on Facebook. The group began as an offshoot of the American Association of University Women. Their first production, The Torchbearers, was performed at a local church. Later in the 1950s, after performing in various city and educational locations, The Farmington Players moved into an old dairy barn located on the site of their present facility on West 12 Mile Road.

Initially, productions were staged downstairs on a dirt floor. Over the years, improvements to the original Barn transformed it into a more finished space. The theater itself eventually moved upstairs into a traditional, finished setting.

Since 1963, The Farmington Players have staged more than 180 different musicals, dramas, mysteries and comedies - all as a community theater with 100% volunteer membership.

People from Farmington, Farmington Hills and beyond have come to recognize the group as a true community resource. Since the completion of its all-new facility in 2003, The Farmington Players Barn Theater has expanded its mission, serving as the site for city-sponsored events (such as youth theater camps in the summer), concerts with groups as varied as Blackthorn and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and as a general meeting place.

The Farmington Players are always looking to enhance the onstage experience at the Barn. This year, a new sound system was integrated. Last year, a new rigging system was added. Show directors are thrilled to provide a greater audio experience, and to have the ability to fly flats in and utilize drops to set scenes in seconds.

Location, Location, Location
The Farmington Players Barn is located at: 32332 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. (North side of 12 Mile - halfway between Orchard Lake Road and Farmington Road.)

 

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