"You'll shoot your eye out!" Instead of watching the nostalgic Christmas movie during another 24 hour movie marathon, see A Christmas Story: The Musical live on stage at the Old Opera House in Charles Town, WV, opening December 4.
Directed by Steven Brewer, with musical direction by Bobb Robinson and choreography by Christine Galante, A Christmas Story: The Musical is the stage adaptation of the classic 1983 hit film. Ralphie Parker is determined to get a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas, even though his mother, teacher and even the mall store Santa seem to stand in the way of getting the best Christmas present ever.
Though the stage show is very similar to the movie, some changes have been included in the musical version.
"The show is faithful to the movie. Who doesn't love the movie? Who hasn't seen the movie? Everyone loves it, everyone has seen it. But the element of musical theatre expands the joy that we all have when we first watched the film. The songs are funny, the emotions are reflected by the talented actors live on stage, and the audiences will enjoy this experience" said ensemble member Charlie Perkins.
"The most challenging part of this show is making it your own while sticking close to the expectations of the audience. This movie is a tradition to many, so you really have to make it a perfect balance of new and old" said Ashley Snow, who plays Ralphie's Mother.
However, classic moments and icons from the film still appear in the musical.
"Christine Galante has put some great choreography on us, and the addition of the leg lamp was like having a third appendage! If people love A Christmas Story the movie, they will love this re-imagining of it into a musical. Scenes aren't in the exact same order, but it's still a great show and the kids are doing a great job!" said ensemble member Ed Conn.A Christmas Story: The Musical features the story of one boy's quest for a perfect Christmas present and, appropriately, most of the lead and featured roles in the show are portrayed by children.
"My favorite part of rehearsals was working with the boys playing Ralphie and Randy. It was great watching them grow and mature through out the process" said Snow
"There were many kids with quick costume changes which makes it challenging. Fortunately, we had a great group of professional children who were fabulous" said Irina Price, who plays Mrs. Shields.
"It is a joy to meet new young talent in the theater such as Cavan Davis and Hagen McGowan who play (respectfully) Ralphie and Randy Parker. These two perform with the skill of seasoned veterans. Their dedication and commitment to their craft is amazing to watch" said Perkins
Though the story features memories of the Christmas season from a child's point of view, the cast is certain both adults and children will enjoy A Christmas Story: The Musical this holiday season.
"This show offers a new spin on an old tradition! The music is catchy and the kids bring a livelihood to the stage that is unbeatable!" said Snow "It is a modern classic. What father or grandfather didn't want a BB gun for Christmas when they were little boys? I think the show may bring back some of those memories" said ensemble member Rene Farabaugh.
"Audiences will enjoy the realism of the Parker family, their quest for the perfect Christmas, Ralphie's very real desire for his dream Christmas present and the trials and tribulations of being a kid in the 1940s" said Price
"Kids will love the way the show really captures the experience of wanting that extra-special Christmas gift, and adults will love the way it captures family, parenthood, and just how real it is. It's not saccharine or smarmy. The emotion is real, and I think the cast does a wonderful job of bringing that emotion to stage" said Will Heyser, who plays Jean Shepherd as the Narrator
A Christmas Story: The Musical features Cavin Davis as Ralphie, Hagen McGowan as Randy, Jaymie Price as The Old Man (Ralphie's Father), Cannon Evans as Schwartz, Adam-Venham Carter as Flick, Katie Cisar as Esther Jane, Amelia Marino as Mary Beth, Charles Casey as Scut Farkus, Harrison Casey as Grover Dill, Jason Garrard, Jenna Kennedy, Ethan Mills, Rachel Jackson and Eli Viands as School Children, Joseph Kennedy, Ryan George, Davis Cummings, Shania Williams, Madeline Tester, Aiden Farabaugh, Caroline Brewer, Helena Radford as Higbee Children and Micheal George. Jen George, Kevin Tester, Rob Evans, Lee Hebb, Katie Kennedy and Kelly Panill as members of the adult ensemble.
A Christmas Story: The Musical will run December 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. The opening night performance begins at 7:30 PM, while Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $15 for adults on opening night, $19 for adults at Friday and Saturday evening performances, $17 for adults at Sunday matinees and $12 for students and children at all performances. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.
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