The story from a cherished movie classic that's enchanted millions is now a musical spectacular. In 1940's Indiana, a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas-a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream.
A cut above the pack, it’s cute, corny, wholesome and sentimental – all basic requirements for family-friendly seasonal stage entertainment. But it also packs ample heart into its wistful glance back to a time when rewards were simpler, communities were closer-knit, and both parental and filial roles were less polluted by the infinite distractions and anxieties of contemporary life. In short, a time when happiness was just a Christmas gift away…Sturdily adapted by Joseph Robinette, it features a peppy, period-flavored score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. With their catchy lyrics and robust melodies, the songs strengthen the characters and situations, dropped in at just the right time to enhance and propel the story…This is an ensemble show rather than a vehicle for star turns, but Lauria’s warmly authoritative presence provides a binding element, and Rabe gives Ralphie irrepressible spirit. Bolton deserves special mention, making Ralphie’s dad a gangly human cartoon, both gruff and affectionate.
Every year at this time Broadway producers are seized with the urge to pick parents’ pockets with splashy holiday fare aimed at young audiences. “A Christmas Story,” based on the popular 1983 movie adapted from the writings of the radio personality Jean Shepherd, wins points for being less glitzy and more soft-spoken than the garish, overbearing musical versions of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Elf.”…I found the heavy doses of voice-over in the rather clunky movie to be obtrusive and irritating. Happily, the stage version lightens up a little on the cute, smart-alecky asides…making room for the music and allowing the story mostly to speak for itself… “A Christmas Story” features a sizable group of young performers that makes the small band of orphans in “Annie” look positively skimpy...You’re welcome to your Red Ryder carbine action BB gun, Ralphie. What I want for Christmas is a pair of tap shoes.
2011 | US Tour |
National Tour US Tour |
2012 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2013 | Off-Broadway |
Madison Square Garden Production Off-Broadway |
2017 | Motion Picture |
FOX Live Televised Production Motion Picture |
2021 | US Tour |
Non Equity Tour US Tour |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Book of a Musical | Joseph Robinette |
2013 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Choreography | Warren Carlyle |
2013 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | John Bolton |
2013 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | John Bolton |
2013 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Music | Justin Paul |
2013 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Music | Benj Pasek |
2013 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations | Larry Blank |
2013 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | Dan Lauria |
2013 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Broadway Musical | 0 |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Gerald Goehring |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Roy Miller |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Michael F. Mitri |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Pat Flicker Addiss |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Peter Billingsley |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Timothy Laczynski |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Mariano V. Tolentino Jr. |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Louise H. Beard |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Michael Filerman |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Scott Hart |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Alison Eckert |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Bob Bartner |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Michael Jenkins |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Angela Milonas |
2013 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Bradford W. Smith |
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