BWW Reviews: 5th Avenue's A CHRISTMAS STORY Comes Home to Find Its Heart

When the musical adaptation of "A Christmas Story" first came to the 5th Avenue Theatre back in 2010 for the pre-Broadway Premiere I was dubious at best. And my fears turned out to be well founded as the musical felt scattered and lacked the emotional core that the original story and movie had. Luckily for all of us when the show went on to New York it was retooled to trim out all the fat and now that it's back has had its heart restored with direction by Brandon Ivie. So what once felt like a desperate attempt to turn a holiday classic into a cash cow now feels like a delightful homage to the original and a simpler time.

Based on the movie of the same name that I'm sure everyone has seen (since they show it every year multiple times) and the book by humorist Jean Shepherd we follow the trials of young Ralphie Parker (Mark Jeffrey James Weber) as he maneuvers the tumultuous waters of trying to get exactly what he wants for Christmas. This should be an easy task except what Ralphie wants is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and "this thing which tells time" and he's constantly blocked by the response of "you'll shoot your eye out". But that doesn't deter him as he drops hints to his parents (Dane Stokinger and Jessica Skerritt), his teacher Miss Shields (Liz McCarthy) and even the big man himself, Santa (Allen Fitzpatrick).

The story is already a classic with the iconic moments of the swearing incident, the major award and that hideous bunny outfit. But what the show now does is embrace and honor the original with infectious numbers from hot new composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a book that shows it's love and respect for the source by Joseph Robinette and some killer choreography from Warren Carlyle and Mara Newbery especially in its three (count 'em three) big production numbers. And artfully brought together by Ivie who manages to elicit all of the warmth, humor and charm the story has to offer.

The huge cast, half of which includes 16 remarkable kid performers, could not be better or more perfect for their roles. Weber manages to capture the essence of Ralphie without ever becoming overdone or disingenuous and seems to carry the show on his young shoulders with ease. I'm just going to say it; this kid could grow up to be a star! As could the adorable Brandon Oke who plays his little brother Randy with the comedic timing of a pro. Stokinger and Skerritt absolutely shine in the roles of Ralphie's parents. Skerritt is completely loveable, warm, and layered and delivers an Act Two ballad that will melt your heart. And Stokinger grabs onto his part and giddily runs off with it. Gruff and blustery one minute and a big dumb kid the next he's basically the most likable dork you've ever met. Kurt Beattie delivers the narration of the piece as the older Jean Shepherd with the style and grace of an old friend. Fitzpatrick is absolutely hilarious as the cantankerous mall Santa. And I must mention the amazing Liz McCarthy who stopped the show with her insanely fun and sultry tap number.

But then the show is just one show stopping moment after another. Raucous, hysterical, and with enough charm and heart to brighten up anyone's holiday season. If you're a fan of the movie like I am, this will only intensify that love and if you're somehow not familiar with it, well, you'll fall in love with it now. This is a can't miss holiday treat and so with my three letter rating system I give it a heartfelt WOW! So get yourself to the mall and ask Santa for tickets to this one before it's too late.

"A Christmas Story, The Musical" performs at the 5th Avenue Theatre through December 30th. For tickets or information contact the 5th Avenue box office at 206-625-1900 or visit them online at www.5thavenue.org.

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