By Jessica Kennedy.
If you’re like me and watch A Christmas Story every year during this season, then you are in for a treat! Running from November 17th- December 31st at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, this charming homage to the 1983 holiday classic will have you laughing along as you watch the film’s iconic moments brought to the stage with song.
Beautifully directed and choreographed by Mara Newbery Greer, our story is set in the fictional Hohman, Indiana in the 1940s. Our young protagonist, Ralphie, wants only one thing for Christmas: an “official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock— and this thing that tells time.” What follows is an endearing reenactment of the most beloved moments from the film, from “you’ll shoot your eye out” to “I triple dog dare you.” A notable addition, however, is the titular song to close the show. It cements the show’s theme by reminding us what Christmas is really all about.
This performance was impressive for many reasons. Not only is the play well written— I sincerely enjoyed the character developments of Ralphie’s Mother and “The Old Man”— but it was passionately performed. The cast hosts children in both main character and chorus roles, but don’t take that to mean the show is any less dynamic or complex. The youthful cast plays beautifully alongside the mature performers; there is plenty of energy, excellent vocals, and seamless acting to enjoy! Kaian Lilien is engaging and skillful as the beloved Ralphie. His renditions of “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” and “Ralphie to the Rescue” are both fun and funny. Alongside the precocious Randy, played by the hysterical Jackson Parker Gill, this duo makes for a bundle of laughs throughout the show! Additionally, the timing and blocking for the kids’ chorus is impressive throughout; they dance, they sing, they act, they build up and break down sets—seriously, they do it all!
Not to be overshadowed, the adult performers bring a wit and candor to the more “mature” content of the original film in a way that is appropriate for a mixed age cast. Ryan M. Hunt’s performance as Ralphie’s “Old Man” is a brilliant mix of rowdy rants and emotional vulnerability. I appreciated this nuance in the character, which is not developed as fully in the original film. For example, in the song “A Major Award,” we get a deeper peek into the rationale for the Old Man’s attachment to his leggy prize. We also have a song for Mother titled “Just Like That,” sung by the effortlessly talented Rachel Gubow, which develops the tender moment when Mother protects Ralphie from his father’s outrage after the fight with Scut Farkus. These moments are made possible by the format of this play; the retrospective lens makes the softer moments feel reflective and emotionally full-bodied. Michael Fasciano does an excellent job interjecting Jean Shepherd’s narrative at just the right time in each scene; his tone of voice and delivery was right on the mark as well. The teacher in me also has to applaud Lanene Charters’ stellar version of Mrs. Shields. Her musical performance of “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” was one of the highlights of the show for me! With too many honorable mentions to pile in one review, both adults and children alike deliver a performance that is full of nostalgia, laughs, and warmth!
This play is great for this time of year and wonderful for all ages! So come down and check it out—maybe even bring your Old Man.
Running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
The roles of Jean Shephard and Mother will usually be performed by Mark Aldrich and Jennifer Evans.
For tickets and information click here.