The musical, based on the Jean Shepherd stories and 1983 film of the same title, is unwrapped in Seattle after a 2009 holiday debut at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Edges songwriters Pasek and Paul replace Scott Davenport Richards, who originally wrote the music and lyrics for the world premiere.
Original book writer Joseph Robinette, director Eric Rosen and choreographer Kelly Devine will again collaborate on the latest incarnation of the holiday favorite about Ralphie Parker and his Christmas wish for a Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. It officially opens Dec. 9.
Portraying Ralphie will be young Washington-based actor Clarke Hallum. He will be joined by the previously announced John Bolton (Broadway's Curtains, Spamalot) as the Old Man and Anne Allgood (5th Ave productions of Sunday in the Park…, Candide) as Mother.
The cast will also feature River Aguirre (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) as Schwartz, Drama Desk nominee Orville Mendoza (Adrift in Macao) as Elf/Waiter, Frank Corrado as Jean Shepherd, Eric Polani Jensen as Pierre, Carol Swarbrick as Miss Shields and Matt Wolfe (Catch Me If You Can) as Santa.
Young cast members include Keenan Barr as Grover Dill, Ashton Herrild as Scut Farkus, Matthew Lewis as Randy Parker, Dexter Johnson as Flick, Walker Caplan, Wilder Cufley, Larson Eernissee, Drea Gordon, Shaye Hodgins, Olivia Mora, Erich W. Schleck, Cameron Washington and Mira Wellington. The adult ensemble will comprise Candice Donehoo, Brandon O'Neill, Billie Wildrick, and Jadd Davis as the Singing Quartet. Joining them are Krystle Armstrong, Jared Michael Brown, Sarah Davis, Aaron Finley, Frances Leah King, Jenny Shotwell and Ty Willis.
A Christmas Story will also feature the original design team, including Walt Spangler (scenic design), Elizabeth Hope Clancy (costume design), Larry Blank (orchestrations) and Ian Eisendrath (musical direction). Newly added is lighting designer Howell Binkley.
Based on the stories of radio humorist Jean Shepherd, the classic holiday story concerns Ralphie Parker, whose holiday wish is a Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. The 1940s-set comedy follows Ralphie through his holiday campaign for the gift of his dreams, complete with a visit to Santa at Higbee's Department Store, a racy lamp, the family's exploding furnace, an experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost and more.
For tickets visit 5thAvenue.
