See Ralphie, the leg lamp and more with 'A Christmas Story: The Musical' at Theatre Macon
Two years after "A Christmas Story: The Musical" made its Broadway debut, Theatre Macon is bringing it to the midstate. The musical will have its Middle Georgia debut when it opens Friday night.
"We are excited because this is such an iconic story. The story of Ralphie, the BB gun, the pink bunny suit and, 'You'll shoot your eye out,' is nearly woven into our fabric during this time of year," said Theatre Macon Director Jim Crisp. "I applied for the rights and was thrilled to get it. Theater pieces based on films are not always successful ... and I was leery about that happening with this piece, but I would definitely say this is every bit as good as the film in every way."
Crisp said the story captures the imagination of 10-year-old Ralphie and allows us to remember our childhood.
"It allows us to all remember our own childhood Christmases when we wanted that one thing so badly we couldn't focus. It recalls our inability to sleep and how we barely got through the night waiting to see if we got that one gift," he said. "It also captures the fun of Ralphie and his friends at school. In fact, all our favorite scenes -- Flick getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole, the Christmas visit to Santa, the father's leg lamp and the pink bunny suit -- are all here."
Part of the charm of the show, which is set in the 1940s, is that it is reminiscent of a simpler time.
"It will speak to our audience and our patrons because so many of them do tend to be of the Baby Boomer generation and the one just after, and we remember those Christmases with our parents and grandparents and the rituals that surrounded the season," he said. "Shelley Kuhen is once again handling our costumes and she has captured that era wonderfully"
Because of the multiple locations in the story -- the home, school, Santa set, as well as outdoor scenes -- staging the story proved challenging for the Theatre Macon crew.
"It is a challenge worth overcoming, though. Being with an audience and watching live actors tell a story in a space right in front of you is just magical. I think we've captured that well,"; Crisp said.
"I am also delighted by how well the music carries the heart and soul of this story. It is all the sweetness of the film, but amplified by music. The music is melodic and cheerful and memorable. Music Director Jim Pendorf is doing an amazing job."
The cast includes 13 kids and many veterans of the stage.
"The two boys Ralphie (James Rigsby) and Randy (Carter Henley) are wonderful. The cast is led by two marvelous actors, Rachel Chabot (Mother) and Patrick Cheek (the Old Man). They are a perfect pair for these roles and they really lead the cast. The ensemble of adult actors and children is just fantastic," Crisp said. "This show is pure fun and we are all so excited to put it on stage.";
"A Christmas Story"
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 11-12; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10
Where: Theatre Macon, 438 Cherry St.
Cost: $25 adults, $20 seniors (60+), $15 students (through age 22)
Information: 478-746-9485; www.theatremacon.com
This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 1:15 PM with the headline "See Ralphie, the leg lamp and more with 'A Christmas Story: The Musical' at Theatre Macon ."