Almost everybody knows of the classic movie, A Christmas Story, which first aired in 1983 and was written by Jean Shepherd and directed by Bob Clark. If you’re not sure you know it by its title, you’ll most assuredly have heard its admonition, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” which has become a classic parental response to any youngster who desires his or her first BB or another gun from Santa. This season, why not treat yourself not just to the classic TV movie, but to a live performance of the musical by the same name, featuring a real-life young Ralphie and his grown-up narrator-Ralphie retelling the heart-felt tale of growing pains, family dynamics gone awry, and some insane hound dogs that live next door? You can do just that by traveling to the Edith Bush Theatre at the Orlando Repertory Theatre complex through December 28.
In spite of English essays coming due, troubled and cash-strapped parents at home, and a whiney little spoiled brother, all Ralphie can think about is his one true desire: The Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot range model air rifle that has this thing on it that tells the time. He can concentrate on nothing else. And that’s the on-the-surface center of this heartwarming musical tribute to the spirit of Santa, families, hope, friendship, motherly love, fatherly pride, and growing up. If you’re human, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll feel really awkward pretty often during this show, which, in spite of a central scene that involves the proverbial “F” word, is great for kids and adults alike. The tiny little wee one sitting next to me on her mom’s lap even shouted at one point, “I want to live in that house, mommy!” Such was the warm, cozy, homey feeling evoked by the quaint set, designed by Stephen Ricker with illustration artist Victor Davila; lit by Eric T. Haugen; sound-designed by Anthony Narciso; featuring props by Conner Edson.
Steve MacKinnon, Kim Ball, and Gin Jans-Smith have lovingly directed and choreographed this fine cast to deliver the story of Ralphie Parker and his family and friends. The children’s ensemble cast is superior—every last one of these little people is in character, on point, singing and acting to bring alive the school-aged tale. The adults of the cast seem to be there almost coincidentally most of the time, to rightly support this kid-based perspective on Christmas. These youngsters particularly shine in “When You’re a Wimp” and “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” along with their teacher, Miss Shields, pertly played by Candace Neal.
That is not to say that the adult cast does not have its stars. Ralphie’s mother, portrayed by Hannah Berry Matthews, is adorably, well, motherly, sweet, protective, and patient with ALL of the men in her household. She is an especially smart complement to her husband, Ralphie’s “Old Man,” who Sage Starkey brings to life in the most adorably clumsy, self-aggrandized way possible. Matthews’ singing voice, which is featured in many numbers, is pure, simple, and clear; and Starkey’s rendition of “A Major Award” is, for lack of a better descriptor, just a whole big bunch of fun. Stephen Pugh’s scary and, for all intents and purposes, drunk Santa is also totally worth singling out. And any woman who says she does not want to just cuddle up with Clifford Lyons is ly-ing.
The true stars of this show, however, are without hesitation, Jared Warren as Ralphie and Carson Revels as Randy. Carson is actually an understudy to this role, but he was on stage the night we attended; and Ralphie also has an understudy in Brady Foley, but Brady was an ensemble member that night. Jared as Ralphie is almost perfection: You BELIEVE this kid; you feel his desire for that rifle; you surge with his rage when he confronts the bully on the playground; and your kid-inside heart knows his sadness when he desperately realizes that his chances for convincing SOMEONE about his need for that rifle before Christmas arrives are dwindling quickly. His voice is Christmas gold, and he holds the show together with his command of every one of his numbers. Carson’s Randy is just adorable to his little brother core.
If those weren’t enough reasons for you to go see this production, the really affordable prices of tickets will be: They are only about $12 each. Treat yourself this holiday season and make some family memories of your own by enjoying local kids doing local theatre in a local venue that is dedicated to educating and providing top-notch experiences to young actors and audiences. For more information, contact www.orlandorep.com . Merry Christmas!
Who would have not known such a story? Cast may be replaced, but still what important is the lesson that particular story made us realized and that’s the reason why that story became classic! 🙂