A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL Finds Its Ralphie at The Media Theatre

The hit show "A Christmas Story: The Musical" is at The Media Theatre November 9 to January 8. It's suitable for all ages and makes a great outing for families during the holiday season.

Based on the classic film which has gained popularity with each showing on television each holiday season, the musical has a book by Joseph Robinette with music and lyrics written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Songs include "Ralphie To The Rescue", "Sticky Situation", "It All Comes Down To Christmas", and "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid!"

The story takes place in Indiana in the 1940's focusing on Ralphie, the boy who wants a Red Ryder BB Gun. He eventually learns that the holidays are not about what you have but who you have around you to share them with. There is a humorous sub-plot featuring Ralphie's father, referred to as The Old Man, who wins a leg lamp.

It was nominated for three Tony Awards for its 2012 production at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in Manhattan (Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score). It also received two Outer Critics Circle nominations (Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Featured Actor), as well as six Drama Desk nominations.

"A Christmas Story: The Musical" is part of The Media Theatre's Broadway Series which features professional actors who are members of the Actors Equity Association union. The two-act show has a live orchestra, as do all professional productions at The Media Theatre. It is directed and choreographed by Dann Dunn.

The role of Ralphie is double cast, with two students from The Media Theatre's New School. Ben Pedersen (above, left) and Tim Woodward (right) will share the role. The role of Ralphie's younger brother Randy is shared by AiDan Crane and Jacob Shapiro.

Jennie Eisenhower takes on the role of Mom, with Patrick Ludt as The Old Man. Kelly Briggs is Jean Shepherd, while Krissy Fraelich plays Miss Shields.

Each role in the youth cast is shared by two talented young actors. Schwartz is brought to life by Zachary Divito and Sean O' Neill, with Josh Atkinson and Josiah Jacoby appearing as Flick. Scut is Jared Brito and Andrew Rubin, with Grover being performed by Aidan Brito and Carter Weiss.

The youth ensemble who play the school students is made up of Caileigh Crane, Rebecca Hunchak, Jolie Jaffe, Alexsa McKeown, Rachael McVey, Kate Nadauld, Kennedy Ndiaye, Kristianna Ranalli, Noah Scher, Brynn Washbourne, and Violet Wiley.

Julianna Babb, Glenn Britton, Nicole Calabrese, Larissa Culbertson, JP Dunphy, Nate Golden, Alicia Jayne Kelly, Topher Layton, Mark Marano, Kimberly Maxson, Hillary Parker, Amanda Shaffern, and JD Triolo make up the rest of the cast. They'll be seen as everything from Elves and Santa in Higbee's Department Store to parents of school students.

For tickets to "A Christmas Story: The Musical", which is on stage November 9 to January 8, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Gift cards are also available. The show is suitable for all ages for the entire holiday season.

Pictured: Ben Pedersen of Havertown who plays the role of Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" at The Media Theatre this holiday season. He shares the role with Tim Woodward of East Greenville.

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