Forget Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch. Don't invite Clara and her Nutcracker friends. Let Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer take a well deserved snooze. Now it is time to concentrate all your efforts on one good little boy, well mostly good, named Ralphie Parker. He has set his heart and his mind on only one present to make his Christmas holiday complete. Ralph wants an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action-200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle, a BB gun if you will. One that has his mother fearing he will shoot his eye out.
Come to East Haddam’s Goodspeed Musicals for that classic tale of childhood desires "A Christmas Story: The Musical" by Bert Pasek and Justin Paul for music and lyrics, based on that perennial favorite movie of 1983, with book by Joseph Robinette.
Ralphie, an adorable and focused Christopher Riley, is nine years old and a determined little son of a gun (pun intended). He is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that he will find what he desires under the Christmas tree. Clearly he doesn't want socks or an Erector set, a toy train or underwear. His list to Santa is short and sweet and has only one item. If he has to scheme and finagle getting it, he is up for the challenge. With his glasses firmly lodged on his nose, he has his eye on the prize and his dad, Jim Stanek, and his mom, Jenn Gambatese, have to decide if the rewards are worth the risks. His little brother Randy, Camilo Velasquez Escamilla, is busy trying to put on and take off his snow suit while the class bullies Oliver Logue and Jack Casey are busy double and triple daring everyone in sight and their teacher Miss Shields, an enthusiastic Rashidra Scott, may hold Ralphie’s fate in her capable hands. John Scherer does a lovely job narrating the action.
Stuffed like a Christmas stocking with musical numbers and tap dancing routines like "It All Comes Down to Christmas," "Ralphie to the Rescue," "Parker Family Singalong," "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" and "A Christmas Story," this family show will be one big giant gift wrapped present for young and old alike.
Get the tinsel ready, look out for the infamous pink bunny pajamas (what kind of gift is that for a boy?), the quirky lamp that resembles a lady's leg and a dare that involves a frozen flagpole. If you meet a Santa Claus, Ian Knauer, who is cranky, you'll know you're in the right place. Come cheer Ralph on in his quest for the best (or the worst) holiday ever. hunter Foster directs this merry marry-go-round of a holiday treat, with scenic design by David L. Arsenault, choreography by Mara Newberry Greer and music direction by Adam Souza.
For tickets ($37 and up), call the Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main Street, East Haddam at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.org. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
It's Indiana in 1940 and the Parker family has set a place for you at the kitchen table. Plan to come for a feast of guaranteed holiday delights. Don't for a moment try to resist the banquet coming your way. Watch for the Old Man’s prize winning lamp, the mischievous dogs, Gus and Jethro, the roasted turkey, and the childhood fun of dreams and wish fulfillment.
No comments:
Post a Comment